Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19

Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19

For many of us, our commute has been greatly shortened into a trip from our bedroom to our makeshift office.  While that's a wonderful perk of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it does present us with a few problems.  We aren't properly prepared for work.  We're still not awake.  We're not in the right mindset.  And then we're not productive during the day and burned out by the evening.  One solution is a work from home commute routine.

1) Drive - I do not miss driving at all.  Not the traffic jams.  Not the angry aggressive road rage.  Or the parking fees, maintenance, construction, accidents or any of the million other issues. 

What I do miss is the music.  It's the only CD player I have and when I'd listen to my old albums entirely without interruption.  Now, I've uploaded my CDs and listen to an album as I eat breakfast and brush my teeth.  

2) Walk/Run - The best commute I ever had was a 20-minute walk from my home to work.  It'd wake me up, allow me to think and plan for the day, and to relax my mind as well.  And for the return trip home it's calm me down from the stress and prepare me for the evening with loved ones.  So, I plan to walk once a day.

3) Bike - What is said about walk/run is true about biking as well.  Starting and ending your day with a 30-minute bike ride around the neighborhood is great.  You can see what's going on quickly.  But, you can also slow down and stop to appreciate something that's interesting.  

4) Carpool - We used to carpool to jobsites.  And it's created some great friendships.  Especially on long distances when we'd get breakfast on the way.  With Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and other platforms, we are still able to do this with co-workers, clients, friends, and family.  The more informal; the better.  Just a 5-10 minute conversation while you're making and eating Pop-Tarts.  

5) Train/Bus - I was fortunate enough to take the "L" to work when I lived in Chicago.  As we flew past the traffic gridlock below, I'd read, listen to music, a podcast, audio book, work on a crossword puzzle, play video games, and call friends and family.  It's like having a chauffer without the snobbery.  I can still enjoy that every day.  Just a few minutes before and after work.

6) Coffee- This is a special ritual for many people.  And I suggest spoiling yourself and indulging in it.  Most of us have a standard drip coffee maker.  But go ahead and get a single-serve, pour over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew, espresso, stovetop, grind and brew, turkish, steeped, Vietnamese, siphon, percolator, or whatever else you like.  Become your own barista and learn a useful skill for something you use every day.  

7) After Work Commute - As a bachelor, I had a pretty great routine after work.  I'd get a couple drinks with friends and colleagues, pick up dinner at the store, and play video games while I cooked and ate.  And that still happens, just a bit differently.  We'll informally use Zoom after work while having cocktails and playing online games.  And continue through making dinner or waiting for delivery.  

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

UNVACCINATED

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people

3) No sharing bathrooms

4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

For Christians, Easter is about losing Jesus to death and a new beginning in the afterlife.  During the difficulties of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate now. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others.

1) Candy - Get lots of candy.  Too much candy.  Little eggs and hallow bunnies.  Peeps and jelly beans.  Easter baskets for every member of your household.  Make some to leave on the doorsteps of friends, family, and neighbors.  There's never too much candy.

2) Virtual Easter Run - A good way to build up an appetite for a lot of ham is a virtual race/walk.  Even better if it's for charity!  Here's an example: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/AnywhereUSA/EasterRunVirtual2021

3) Watch the Catholic Vatican's Mass With the Pope - It's quite a spectacle (https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html).  And there's plenty of other denominations, churches, and others to choose from as well.  

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

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5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Have your favorite foods - For many people, Easter is only about eating ham, deviled eggs, and chocolates. And that's great! But some people would rather eat something else. DO IT! Make something new or get take out: Chinese, pizza, whatever! A culinary adventure can lead to great memories.

7) Random Act of Kindness - We all know someone experiencing some form of difficulty in their life. The illness/death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Do something nice for them.

8) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.

9) Gratitude Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you're grateful for them. And why you're grateful for them.

10) Gratitude Chain Letter - Write a letter to someone you're grateful for and tell them why. And end with saying "send a gratitude letter to 5 people you're better for knowing." It can be a personal letter through the mail that can be saved as a keepsake. Or a public message on social media that can be shared with friends and family. The choice is yours.

11) Springtime Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Create something the honor who or what you're grateful for.

12) Home Decorating - Fill your home and yard with bunnies. But we can do more! Do you appreciate your good health; thank healthcare workers. Honor veterans for their service. Show and tell your neighbors they are amazing. Make a public gratitude board.

13) Gratitude Challenge - There's a lot of wonderful things in our lives. Let's find ways to recognize it.
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep are two easy-to-remember moments. And it can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your partner, family, or others; make a gratitude board.
c) Find something you find beautiful and focus on it.
d) Think of a time someone was kind to you and reflect on the experience
e) Ask three other people what they are grateful for.
f) Think of a difficult time in your life and it's positive outcomes.
g) Keep a journal of positive actions in your day.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

UNVACCINATED

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people

3) No sharing bathrooms

4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19

Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is an opportunity to learn a new skill.  So, let's try portrait drawing.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those outside your home?  Invite people to participate on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) What You Need: Pen and paper is the easiest.  But, we can expand to crayons, markers, color pencils, and paint.  Or bring it outside and use chalk on the driveway.  Whatever makes a mark.

3) Who's Next?: Pair up into groups of two (2) or (3) people.  Draw them as they are drawing you.  And try not to draw the same person twice.  If necessary, only draw twice when everyone else has been drawn.

4) Set Aside Some Time: How much time will depend on how many people participate and how "finished" you want the pieces to be.  If there's five (5) people that just want some entertainment; set a timer for 10 minutes to draw each person.

If there's only two (2) or three (3) of you and you want to develop your life drawing skills; set a timer for one (1) to four (4) hours.  

5) Share It With Each Other: Look at each other's work.  And remember this is suppose to be fun.  So, don't be critical unless if someone asks for advice on improvement.  

If the group does want to improve through critique, remember to listen, have a conversation, be direct, specific, focus on the piece instead of the person, make suggestions, and compliment something about the piece. 

6) Share It More Publicly: This could be on a refrigerator or an empty wall.  On a driveway or on social media.  It could be just a select few best pieces from an evening.  Or all the pieces created during the pandemic.  

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

UNVACCINATED

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people

3) No sharing bathrooms

4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Cast Movies and TV shows... With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19

Cast Movies and TV shows...  With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has given us an unpleasant reality.  Fortunately, movies are a great source for escapism.  A necessary distraction into the world of imagination and fantasy.  Let's put our tendency to be couch potatoes to good use by making it a game.  

Games improve our outlook on life.  It activates neurons in our brain, which prevents diseases like dementia.  Having fun is medicine to fight anxiety and depression (https://anzmh.asn.au/mental-health/the-psychological-benefits-of-playing-cards/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20reconnecting%20with%20the,loss%20associated%20with%20older%20age.)  

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those outside your home?  Invite people to play on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) Select a Movie Everyone Has Seen: This is not an exhaustive list.  There are countless other movies, foreign films, and other features people know and love.

2010+: Star Wars (sequel trilogy and spinoffs), Avengers (multiple), Black Panther, Jurassic World (multiple), Incredibles 2, The Lion King (Live Action), Finding Dory, Frozen (multiple), Batman: Dark Knight Rises, Toy Story (multiple), Beauty and the Beast (Live action), Captain Marvel, Hunger Games (multiple), Wonder Woman, Iron Man (multiple), Captain America, Harry Potter (multiple), American Sniper, Boyhood, Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave, Selma, Things To Come, Coco, John Wick (multiple), Train To Busan, Ladybird, Margaret, Toni Erdmann, Get Out, Carol, No, The Tree of Life, 

2000-2009: Avatar, Batman: The Dark Knight, Shrek (multiple), Pirates of the Caribbean (multiple), Spiderman (multiple), Transformers (multiple), Star Wars (prequel trilogy), Lord of the Rings (multiple), The Passion of the Christ, Finding Nemo, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Mulholland Drive, Gladiator, Children of Men, Lost In Translation, Sweet Home Alabama, 13 Going On 30, I Am Sam, Catch Me If You Can, The Notebook, American Psycho, Punch-Drunk Love, Grizzly Man, 

1990s: Titanic, Jurassic Park (multiple), The Lion King (animated), Forest Gump, Independence Day, The Sixth Sense, Home Alone (multiple), Men In Black (multiple), Toy Story (multiple), Twister, Mrs. Doubtfire, Beauty and the Beast (animated), Ghost, Aladdin, Saving Private Ryan, Austin Powers (multiple), Terminator 2, Armageddon, Dances With Wolves, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer), The Fugitive, Liar Liar, Before Sunrise, Groundhog Day, Goodfellas, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Piano, Close-Up, Schindler's List, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Selena, The Matrix (multiple), My Girl, Roger and Me, The Silence of the Lambs, Clueless, 

1980s: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Batman (Michael Keaton), Indiana Jones (multiple), Ghostbusters (multiple), Beverly Hills Cop (multiple), Back To the Future (multiple), Top Gun, Tootsie, Crocodile Dundee, Rain Man, Three Men and a Baby, Fatal Attraction, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gremlins (multiple), Rambo (multiple), Do the Right Thing, The Shining, Die Hard (multiple), The Terminator, Dead Poets Society, Heathers, The Verdict, Blow Out, 

1970s: Star Wars (original trilogy), Jaws (multiple), Grease (multiple), The Sting, Superman (multiple), The Godfather (multiple), The Exorcist, Smokey and the Bandit, Animal House, Blazing Saddles, Rocky (multiple), Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Towering Inferno, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Love Story, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Airport, American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, The Poseidon Adventure, The Trial of Billy Jack, The Amityville Horror, Young Frankenstein, Every Which Way But Loose, Apocalypse Now, Star Trek (multiple), The Goodbye Girl, Heaven Can Wait, Alien (multiple), Hooper, Fiddler On the Roof, The Muppet Movie (multiple), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Suspiria,  

1960s: The Sound of Music, The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Jungle Book (animated), My Fair Lady, Thunderball, Cleopatra, 2001: A Space Odyssey (multiple), Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, How the West Was Won, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Funny Girl, Herbie: The Love Bug (multiple), James Bond (multiple), Bonnie and Clyde, The Dirty Dozen, Lawrence of Arabia, Midnight Cowboy, The Odd Couple, Valley of the Dolls, West Side Story, Doctor Zhivago, Bullitt, Easy Rider, The Longest Day, Romeo and Juliet, Tom Jones, Oliver!, The Bible: In the Beginning, Hawaii, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Hello Dolly!, Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice, Paint Your Wagon, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Mary Poppins, The Sand Pebbles, The Guns of Navarone, The Carpetbaggers, Spartacus, 8 1/2, Psycho, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Parent Trap, To Kill a Mockingbird, Z, 

1950s: The Ten Commandments, Lady and the Tramp (animated), Peter Pan (animated), Cinderella (animated), Ben-Hur, Sleeping Beauty (animated), The Bridge On the River Kwai, Around the World In 80 Days, This Is Cinerama, The Greatest Show On Earth, Rear Window, South Pacific, The Robe, Giant, Seven Wonders of the World, From Here To Eternity, White Christmas, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Sayonara, Cinerama Holiday, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Peyton Place, Some Like It Hot, Quo Vadis, Auntie Mame, Seven Samurai, Singin' In the Rain, Tokyo Story, The Seventh Seal, The Night of the Hunter, A Face In the Crowd, Rebel Without a Cause,  

Not satisfied with this list?  The American Film Institute has a bazillion more options at: https://www.afi.com/afi-lists/

3) The Audition - Once a movie or TV show is selected, who are the characters?  Think of the hero, the lancer, the ogre, the smarty-pants, the old timer, the rookie, the philosopher, and the comic relief.  

Which friend or family member would fit that role?  Who has the physicality, emotions, motivations, and intentions for the part?  Or for a twist, who'd be the most awkward loved one for the production? 

4) Defend Yourself From the Critic - To me, this is the most fun part as every is encouraged to submit their nomination and decide as a group.  State your case, have constructive feedback, and remember to laugh.  Describe specific scenes with your loved ones cast.  What would change and what is true to life?  

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

UNVACCINATED

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:

1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)

2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people

3) No sharing bathrooms

4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.

5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.

6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).

8) Limit attendance to a few people. 

9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19

I'm sure you know Elf On a Shelf, but doesn't a Leprechaun make more sense?  They're always getting into mischief.  And during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, we could all use a little luck of the Irish.  So, here are some things you can expect if you have a Leprechaun in your home.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

1) Set a Leprechaun Trap - You need to catch a Leprechaun to start.  Here's a place for some suggestions: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/leprechaun-traps/ 

2) What Does Your Leprechaun Look Like? - You may find one online.  Maybe you have one already.  Or, take a cue from Flat Stanley and create your own Leprechaun: https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/make-it-a-flat-stanley-summer/

3) Quarantine - Put the Leprechaun in a bubble before he joins your bubble.  It could be a 2-liter, food canister, or any other clear container.  And make sure he wears a mask and washes his hands.

4) Have Your Favorite Irish Foods - It doesn't get more Irish than corned beef and cabbage: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/.  But, there's more than just that.  Try making soda bread, oysters, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, and/or barmbrack.  

5) Hide and Seek - Where is the Leprechaun this morning?  Sleeping in a sock drawer?  Eating your cereal?  Whoever finds the Leprechaun should get a small prize, like small candy.

6) Playing a Board Game - After a long day of cobbling shoes, even Leprechauns need a break.  See what game he selects for this week's game night.  Some suggestions at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/02/board-game-night-having-fun-during.html

7) Exercising - If your Leprechaun is like mine, he has a bit of a gut on him.  Too much good food and drink at home, I guess.  So, let him announce to the family what today's household exercise will be.  Here are some ideas: https://morningchores.com/fun-family-exercises/.  Also, I will be building a ninja course in my backyard now...

8) Drive-In - Set up your tablet, projector, phone, or TV somewhere different like the patio or garage.  Lay out a blanket with snacks.  And watch an Irish movie like: My Left Foot, The Young Offenders, Cardboard Gangsters, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Irish Pub, The Crying Game, The Snapper, Once, Brooklyn, In the Name of the Father, The Guard, Sing Street, Bloody Sunday, Frank, The Quiet Man, The Commitments, The Secret of Kells, Philomena, The Magdalene Sisters, In America, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Be cautious if your Leprechaun chooses something from the Leprechaun film series...: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun_(film_series)

9) Practical Jokes - Leprechaun's love a good prank.  So, here's some ideas of what you can expect: https://mashable.com/article/easy-pranks/

10) Pot O' Candy - You've been tolerant and patient with the Leprechaun.  For that kindness, Leprechauns are known to leave treats behind.  Something he probably learned from the Easter Bunny.

More St. Patrick's Day Activities at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/03/new-st-patricks-day-traditions-having.html

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Chicago Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Chicago Street

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

202103015

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/514338872/chicago-street-original-acrylic-painting

It's so cold outside that the door handle has frost on the inside of the apartment.  I eat my toast as I put on my layers of clothing: thick socks, long johns, undershirt, and ski goggles so my eyes don't freeze waiting for the train.  I top off my thermos of coffee and grab a few office papers.  I prepare myself for the wind chill as I put on my hat coat and boots.  As, I open the door, I know it's going to be a great day as the landlord already cleared the sidewalk. 

Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

New St. Patrick's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New St. Patrick's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

We could all use a little extra luck of the Irish during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  While plans will be different this year, at least we'll be able to plan ahead unlike last year.  So, here are some safe and fun ideas for celebrating.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

1) Wear Green - It's the color of a shamrock.  A symbol of defiance against British oppression that has become a symbol of Ireland itself.  A way to show kinship with Gaelic people.

2) Celebrate With Family and Friends With Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the night. Let them come and go as they please. 

3) St. Patrick's Day Mass - Watch an Irish Catholic Mass at: https://www.dublindiocese.ie/watch-listen-live/.

4) Stream An Irish Parade - Well, that's been cancelled...  But, March 12-17th, Dublin is hosting the St. Patrick's Festival instead.  More information at: http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/

New York City's Virtual Parade will be livestreamed at: https://www.nycstpatricksparade.org/parade/watching-the-parade/

5) Have Your Favorite Irish Foods - It doesn't get more Irish than corned beef and cabbage: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/.  But, there's more than just that.  Try making soda bread, oysters, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, and/or barmbrack.  

6) Have a Pint (or two)! - This is why we're all Irish on Saint Patrick's day, right?  And we all know about Guinness.  But, you may want to try Murphy's, Kilkenny, Smithwick, Harp, Hop House, O'Hara's, Porterhouse, or Wild Irish Goose too.  

Don't like beer?  Try Magners cider

Looking for something stronger?  Look for Irish whiskey like Dead Rabbit, Tullamore D.E.W., Redbreast, Bushmills, Jameson, Teeling, Sexton, Knappogue Castle, Green Spot, Powers Gold Label, Tyrconnell, and/or Slane.  But, maybe in something more moderate than in a pint glass...

7) Irish Music - It's time to expand your playlist.  Here are some suggestions: U2, Thin Lizzy, Rusangano Family, Fight Like Apes, SOAK, Fontaines DC, Damien Rice, Adrian Crowley, David Holmes, Chequerboard, Villagers, Ash, Andy Irvine and Paul Brady, Talos Republic of Loose, The Frank and Walters, Just Mustard, The Cranberries, Therapy?, Van Morrison, The Frames, Enya, Two Door Cinema Club, Rejjie Snow, Lankum, Kojaque, Clannad, Planxty, James Vincent McMorrow, The Divine Comedy, Gemma Hayes, The Sultans of Ping FC, Jafaris, The Undertones, The Pogues, Rollerskate Skinny, My Bloody Valentine, Fatima Mansions, Cathy Davey, Sinead O'Connor, The Immediate, Roisin Murphy, Whipping Boy, A House, and Girl Band.

8) Share Memories - Ask questions like "what was your best St. Patrick's Day?" "what is your earliest St. Patrick's memory?" and "what's the strangest thing you've experienced during St. Patrick's Day?"  Get things started and it can provide you fun entertainment.

9) Share Memories Online - Post a St Patrick's Day photo and tell us a story about it.  Let us know who was there, what you're doing, when this happened, where it was, and why it was special.  Then invite your friends and family to do the same.

10) Irish Movie Marathon - There's lots of great Irish movies.  Here is a small list: My Left Foot, The Young Offenders, Cardboard Gangsters, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Irish Pub, The Crying Game, The Snapper, Once, Brooklyn, In the Name of the Father, The Guard, Sing Street, Bloody Sunday, Frank, The Quiet Man, The Commitments, The Secret of Kells, Philomena, The Magdalene Sisters, In America, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

11) Online Games - Join friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

12) Get Dressed Up - Want St Patrick's Day to feel special?  Wear something fancy.  We've all been home wearing pajamas and being lazy.  Do something fun, eat a nice meal, and take photos while looking stylish.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog