Heirloom Tomato

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Heirloom Tomato

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202010099

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/heirloom-tomato-by-mike-kraus-art-food-fruit-tomatoes-breakfast-lunch-dinners-snacks-treats-red_print?sku=s6-17480541p4a1v45

I want the taste of heirloom tomatoes in everything.  They're sweeter and just make meals more delicious.  At the end of summer, there's an Amish farmer that has a stall at the end of the farmer's market.  He doesn't sell much, but I purchase all that he has each week.  Some I use on meals right away.  The rest of the bushel I can and preserve in mason jars for the winter.  And there's gallons of salsa waiting for me in my basement pantry.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus

Art Project: 

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html

Building a Fire Pit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html

Share Heart of Hope:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html

Hiking:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html

Celebrating Women:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html

Have A Picnic:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html

You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html

Have Some Theme Spirit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html

Working For the Weekend:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html

Honor and Remembrance:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html

Apple Picking and Other Farms:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/halloween-gravedigger-flashlight-game.html

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/spook-your-friends-and-neighbors-having.html

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.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

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't cancel Halloween.  It may be different.  But we are in this together and can still have fun. 

1) Decorate Your House - What could entertain your neighbors? Turn your yard into a haunted maze. Or the lawn is now a graveyard. Make a scary backdrop for kids to do a photoshoot.

2) Decorate A Neighbor's House - Surprise someone by making signs, filling their yard with witches and skeletons. Decorate pumpkins and leave them on their stoop.

3) You've Been Boo'ed - It's like a Halloween Secret Santa.  Make two signs or decorations, two gift packs, and secretly deliver the goodies to your neighbors.  Display sign/decoration somewhere prominently and leave instructions to do the same for two more neighbors.  Watch the fun spread through the neighborhood  

4) Hands-Free Bag-O-Candy - Grocery stores have bags and bags of candy. Some are all the same. Others are a mix of your favorites. The virus only lasts about 3 hours on paper and non-solid wrappers (at last update)

5) Neighborhood Costume Parade - Set a time for families to have a social distance parade down the street. If you have a neighborhood Facebook Group or other social media, share photos and give online awards for costumes like: scariest, funniest, most original, cutest, etc.

6) Zoom Costume Party - Send out invites, wear costumes, have a matching virtual background, make something together (spooky food, carve pumpkins, scary science experiment), play games (20 questions, truth or dare, would you rather). And don't forget the food and drinks.

7) Netflix Party (Scary Movies) - Watch a scary movie at home and invite your friends with Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/). Or share with the neighbors by projecting on your garage or bedsheet. Projectors are as cheap as $55 USD (https://www.lifewire.com/best-cheap-projectors-to-buy-4062263).

Need movie suggestions? Here's the Top 100 Horror Movies according to Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_horror_movies/

8) Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt - Invite your neighbors to participate in a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Have every participating neighbor provide item hidden in their yard for your list. This list can be shared to participants by email, Facebook Groups, or other way you communicate with neighbors. Consider using a hashtag and having participants share their finds on social media.

*Consider clues and prizes for all younger kids.

9) Haunted Drive-Thru - Coordinate with your neighbors to make your street haunted. Have a friendly competition with inflatable displays, choreography/actors, and outrageous designs for car viewing.

Too ambitious? Maybe partner with a few neighbors and friends to combine decorations. If someone has a good sized plot of land or a circular driveway, that's fun too.

10) Adults Too! - Halloween isn't just for kids. Grown-ups need fun too. Holidays are about bonding and shared experience. So find ways that everyone can participate in the fun.

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

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

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed how we celebrate Halloween, but it won't stop us from having fun.  Here's a fun game, especially on a dark, foggy, autumn night.

1) What You Need - A flashlight, yard, black/dark clothes, and a dark and eerie night.

2) Set Up - Use items to mark "graves."  It can be anything, but cardboard tombstones can be fun to make beforehand.  Spread them out evenly throughout yard.

Place 4 "cemetery exit" alarms equally around the yard.  These should be something that light up or make a noise (ie - bells, whistles, kazoo, lantern, etc).   

3) Choose the Gravedigger - It can be completely random.  Draw straws, closest birthday, etc.  Give them the flashlight.  To have extra fun, wear an oversized black coat/blanket and carry a shovel.

4) Choose your Grave - Lie down in the marked grave.  You and everyone else are now a Zombie 

5) Play Game - The game starts when the Gravedigger says "Who goes there?"  The Zombies must crawl to one of the 4 exits to set off the alarm.  But, if the Gravedigger shines the flashlight on you while moving or making noise, you must return to your grave they say "back to your stone wayward soul."  You may remain if you're perfectly still and quiet.   

6) Other Movements - The Gravedigger cannot touch the Zombies.  But, the Gravedigger is allowed to try to trick you into moving, laughing, or making other noises.   

7) New Gravedigger - The first Zombie to reach a cemetery exit and say "Mmmm...  Brains!" is the new Gravedigger.  All Zombies must return to their graves.

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

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

Choose Your Own Title: "This Is 40" or "COVID-40"

BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT!

Can you believe of the dozen of photos this is the best bubble Megan made?

Megan took the day off of work and we celebrated all around the Finger Lakes.  We started off the day having a picnic breakfast at Bare Hill Unique Area (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/37438.html) overlooking Canandaigual Lake and Bristol.

Onward and upward!  Visited Conklin's Gully at the High Tor Wildlife Management Area (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24439.html).  The vertical climb at the start did burn off the apple cake breakfast.  And, it is a pretty amazing very from the edge of the cliff.

Megan preparing lunch at Keuka Lake State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/parks/keukalake/maps.aspx)

It's like living in a brochure for visiting upstate New York.

Bench looking toward Branchport

Megan put all my favorite meats into one sandwich.  It was delicious and drove our pup Scout insane.

When magic is delivered to your mailbox

Spiderman says #WearAMask

Seneca Mills Falls on the Keuka Outlet Trail (https://www.keukaoutlettrail.org/) between Penn Yan and Dresden.  

If you're going to have ruins, they might as well be beautiful

Megan's Totally Tubular 80's Quiz: Mike Edition.  Thanks for everyone who participated.  I don't know what's worse: how much I forgot or how much my wife learned...

To go with the 1980s theme, Megan and I split a bag of Big League Chew (https://www.bigleaguechew.com/).  It's exactly how I remember it.  And I was instantly transported to being an 8 year old playing pee-wee baseball and having the whole bench being yelled at by the coach because we're blowing bubbles instead of paying attention to our game. 

Downtown Penn Yan at the end of the trail.  It reminded me of the old paths connecting towns and villages in Europe.  A perfect setting for Robin Hood and other medieval characters.

If you're going to make pancakes anyway, just use a 28-foot griddle and set a world record.

For all you singles out there, find a partner that will make you sloppy joes and tater tots on your birthday and never let them go..

If you didn't know, Megan is a trained cake decorator.  Really?  That's amazing!  Her creations are scattered throughout my blog over the years.  You can tell because she was smart enough to avoid using 40 individual candles.  A stylistic choice my asthma appreciates.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TEXTS, POSTS, CALLS, MAIL, AND BIRHTDAY GREETINGS IN OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION!!!  I really appreciate it.  I love and miss you all.  In a year full of difficulty and grief, I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family to celebrate with.  When life happens, I'm glad we're all in it together!

Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't stop autumn.  It's a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the weather.  Let's embrace the change and find ways to be grateful together.

1) Where To Go? - What kind of experience are you looking for? Do you have kids? Then you'll probably want some place close that has more of a theme park feel. A farm with a petting zoo, hay rides, and many other activities. If you're a couple that wants something a little more romantic, look for a more remote farm with fewer amenities. Chefs may be interested in farms with a large variety of apples. And people looking for something more unique may search for farms with heirloom fruits and veggies.

So, do a little research before you visit. Especially if you are looking for some place special or want to bring a pet. (Also, have a couple backup orchards/farms just in case you encounter large gatherings or other unsafe situations)

2) When To Go? - To avoid crowds, it tends to be best to visit farms before noon.

September and October are great for apple picking. But, it can vary greatly depending on your specific location and climate. Also, there are lots of other foods available at pick-your-own (PYO) farms like fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, and products like homemade honey, syrup, and pies.

3) Is This a Good Apple? - Most orchards will tell you which foods are ready to pick. If you see a lot of apples dropped under a tree, it may be past ripe. The apples are probably still good, but may need to be eaten sooner.

Start by picking apples from the bottom of a tree and working your way up. A ripe apple is easily removed with a simple twist and pull. It's okay if an apple is a bit tart as they can be stored longer. And avoid bruised apples "as a few bad apples can spoil the bunch" is a true saying.  Prevent bruises by gently placing apples in your bag.

4) Where To Put All These Apples? - Find a cool, dry spot in your home to keep fresh. If moist from rain or sprinklers, lightly dry off before storage. But don't rub off the white blush until you're ready to eat. 

5) So Many Apples? - In your excitement, you brought home several bushels of apples. Fortunately, there's lots you can do with them like make vinegar, candles, jam, soaps, butter, lotions, decorations, and so much more.

Personally, baking apples are my favorite. It can be by themselves, as part of an entre, side dishes, or in pies. Lots of great recipes at: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g650/apple-recipes/

6) Enjoy the Experience - It's all about time with your friends and family. Of course, you could just go to a grocery store and be done with this in five minutes. But, it's about the people you're with. It's searching for the "perfect" orchard that has what you're looking for. It's finding the best apples. Taking photos as we awkwardly pretend like we know anything about farming and agriculture. Maybe getting fresh apple cider and adding something extra to it. Once home, sharing great treats and meals of food that you picked yourself. 

 

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

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/MikeK

Honor and Remembrance: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Honor and Remembrance: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted all of us.  So many of us are/know frontline and essential workers, lost their job, family that's been infected, co-workers who've been hospitalized, and friend that passed away.  While health and travel restriction prevent us in joining the National COVID-19 Remembrance on October 4th in Washington, D.C., there are other ways we can honor and celebrate.  Here are some ideas.

1) Share Something of Sentimental Value - My grandpa use to snail mail me short letters.  Usually, just asking how I'm doing, a description of the weather, and maybe information about family or an upcoming holiday.  I accidentally saved most of them by using them as bookmarks or leaving them in a drawer.  After he passed away I found all my replies in his dresser.  Now when I miss him, all I have to do is read his letters.  But, you can share anything and use the hashtag: #NationalCovidRemembrance  

2) Support Their Cause - Is a friend or family member a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare worker in need of PPE?  Maybe the person you'd like to honor had a charity that was close to their heart.  You could donate to that cause.  Better yet, have an online fundraiser.  With Facebook, it's never been easier: Facebook Fundraising Creator - https://www.facebook.com/fundraiser/with_presence/create_dialog/?source=blue_bar_create_menu

3) Plant A Living Memorial - Plant a tree, a few flowers, or whole garden for someone.  You could order a custom sign from Etsy or make your own.  Here's a great website for autumn plantings: Garden Design - https://www.gardendesign.com/autumn/planting.html#:~:text=Fast%2Dgrowing%20root%20veggies%20such,see%20No%2DFail%20Fall%20Crops.  

4) Host a Zoom/Facetime/Hangout Event - The people we love also had many other people that loved them too.  So, invite them to get together and remember the good times.  Invite participation by asking for stories, photos, favorite songs, and cheers them over their favorite food and drinks.  

5) Make Public Art - Make signs thanking essential/frontline workers, cover your driveway in chalk blue hearts, create drawings for the windows of your home.   

6) Tradition - Rituals and traditions are a way to strengthen the bonds of friends and family.  What new tradition could you celebrate in their honor?  Is their an important date for them, like a birthday?  What locations were special to them?  Allow for flexibility and encourage fun ideas.

7) Join the National COVID-19 Remembrance - Add your loved one to the memorial tribute at: https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/actions/wall-of-remembrance/

Find way to help your friends, family, and nation at: https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/actions/email-signup/

and visit:

https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/

October 4, 2020, Noon - 1:00 EDT

The Ellipse, Washington, D.C.

The livestream event will feature a National Moment of Silence on October 4th at Noon EST, live and recorded performances, a virtual tribute wall, a remembrance of victims and family of COVID-19, and more.

We will get through this stronger together.

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

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

Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus

While job hunting isn't "fun," work pays for all the entertainment. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the hiring process. So let's work together to find you a great new job.

1) Where To Look - Make sure your friends, family, former co-workers and neighbors know you're looking for work.  On average, you probably know about 600 people.  Those 600 people know about 600 other people and so on.  Use that network to your advantage.  There are also job boards.  If you apply for a job, look on social media to see if anyone you or a friend knows someone at that business.

GENERAL
1) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-andrew-seaman/
2) Indeed.com
3) Monster.com
4) CareerBuilder.com
5) Ziprecruiter.com
6) GlassDoor.com
7) better.job
8) jobs.birddoghr.com
9) careerjet.com
10) jobisjob.com
11) jobrapido.com

SPECIALIZED
Health
1) MedicalWorkers.com
2) HealthECareers.com
Student/Graduate
1) CareerOneStop.com
2) AfterCollege.com
3) CareerRookie
4) DiversityJobs
Construction
1) mepjobs.birddoghr.com
2) procoreconstructionjobboard.birddoghr.com/
Nonprofits
1) Idealist.org
2) jobs.philanthropy.com
3) PhilanthropyJournal.org
Disabilities
1) abilityJOBS.com
Advertising/Marketing
1) Adzuna.com
Entertainment
1) EntertainmentCareers.net
2) jobs.variety.com
Finance
1) CareerBank.com
2) eFinancialCareers.com
Military
1) https://usmilitarypipeline.com
Law
1) LawJobs.com

2) Beat the Bots - Human Resources will receive thousands of resumes because of online job boards. AI-powered platforms will scan your resume to determine if you will get through the initial screening. To do this, use the same descriptive words from the job description in your resume. The main focus should be the last ten years of work experience. And don't include pictures.

3) Ignore Job Titles (mostly) - Titles have largely become meaningless. What is a "Talent Delivery Specialist?" It may be the person who gives you your next job... What you need to do is talk to a human being. To do this, showcase your skills. You don't need 100% of the skills on the job description. Just enough to talk to someone about what the position is truly like and show your willingness to learn.

4) LinkedIn - I could give you a thousand reasons why LinkedIn is annoying, cumbersome, and counter-intuitive. But, one reason you should use it: recruiters and human resource departments use it A LOT. So, start or update your profile right now. Tell us what makes you unique and your achievements in the "about" section. For "experience," list all titles from organizations if you've received a promotion. Give a short summary of responsibilities and focus your project successes. In "skills and endorsements," add anything and everything you think is relevant to your career. This will help recruiters find you instead of you having to find them. If your project or program is featured online, include links. Have you ever been quoted in an article, spoke at a conference, or talked publicly: add it to your profile. And don't be shy about asking for recommendations from people you know from very different parts of your life.

5) Other Social Media - What will your future boss think about your posts? Use your empathy and/or ask someone you trust professionally to review your pages. Do you have posts about personal/relationship problems, complaints about boss/work, use violent/vulgar language, party/alcohol/drug photos, and religious/political rants? Be honest with yourself. It may determine if you'll get a job.

6) A Remote Interview? - This is how interviews are now conducted. This means you need to do more than wear your most professional outfit (Don't be casual just because you're at home). You need to "stage" your video call. This includes background selection, camera placement, lighting, and outfit choice. For more details, visit: Tips For Working At Home: Staging Your Virtual Office - https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/03/tips-for-working-at-home-staging-your.html

Make sure the space you interview in is quiet and private.  No distractions from kids, pets, or anything else.  And have a backup plan just in case your internet, video, or microphone fails.  

7) Character Over Skills - Have you ever been hired because they "liked you" or were friends with someone who already worked there? Everyone knows or can be trained to use MS Word, but a bad personality can be difficult to change. So, don't be afraid to showcase your kindness, communication, adaptability, empathy, and problem solving talents. During a remote work pandemic, these skills have a much higher value.

8) Gaps In Your Resume - In 2020 and beyond, almost everyone's resume will have lapses. But, you can be proactive in standing out as a candidate by filling in those spaces by volunteering, publishing articles, passion project, and online classes. Also, the people you meet may lead you to your next opportunity.

9) Thank You! - Before Coronavirus/COVID-19/politics, I would have suggested mailing a thank you note because they are more memorable (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/save-post-office.html). But, with HR staff at home and severe post office delays, decision makers may not see your letter until after they've hired someone else.

Instead, send individualized emails to everyone you've talked with at the organization. People are visual, so try to include a relevant photo in the email. If it's something of personal interest, even better (ie - if you talked about flowers in your gardens, send a photo of your landscaping). Anything that can make you positively stand out from the crowd.

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

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.

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

Have Some Theme Spirit: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Have Some Theme Spirit: Having Fun During Coronavirus

We're all in this together. While fighting Coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to find ways to stay safe, entertained, creative, and healthy. To make nights and weekends special. Time to be with our family. Something to look forward to after work and school. "Theme Nights" are a great way to do that.

1) When? - Anytime. It can be every night with everyone in your household or it can be once a month over Zoom. An easy weekly theme night can be Taco Tuesday. Make it as simple or complicated as you want.

2) Choose A Theme - Here are some of my weekly favorites: pizza night, B-movie night, wino weekend, ice cream Sunday, backyard camping night, evening nature walk, family Zoom night, game night, driveway chalking, and countless others. Are your kids or roommates musical? Then have a "band night."

For a "one-night only" event, try something more creative like: Robots and Aliens, Punk Rock, Monster Trucks, Jungle, Nerds, 7 Deadly Sins, Mythical Creatures, etc. A great way to come up with an idea is to dig through the closet, attic, or basement for things you don't need or use anymore. Give it one last hurrah and then donate it or throw it away the next morning.

3) 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 with health issues? Invite people to participate on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms.

4) Decorate - Transport yourselves someplace new. If your theme is "Dream Vacation," start with everyone packing a suitcase with what they want to see or do most. Set up your living room like a airport terminal for a few games. Eat food from that location. Create experiences inspired by that vacation destination. Immerse yourselves.



5) What To Eat - Food makes everything better. But, unless your theme is "cooking," make it simple. Pre-made meals from the grocery store or takeout are just fine. Everyone should participate in the fun and not be stuck in the kitchen.

This applies to drinks too. Use the theme, but don't force someone to be a bartender all night.

6) Getting Dressed Up - Working from home and virtual school has made life very casual and comfortable. Let's break that routine for a night. Be ridiculous and wear a tuxedo, old costume, a prom dress, or whatever else you can find. If you have lots of old clothes, this can be great inspiration for themes.

7) Entertainment and Sharing - Find some way to integrate a board game, movie, TV show, music, etc. If you're theme is Dr. Seuss, play The Cat In the Hat Game, watch The Lorax, and find some strange music. Share with friends using #DrSeussNight



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

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.

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