Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

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!

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:
at No comments:

Friday, March 26, 2021

The Patterned Meerkat

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Patterned Meerkat
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202103020
© copyright Mike Kraus

Today, in the Kalahari Desert, he is a sentry while the others in his clan forage and play.  If there is danger, he will bark to tell the others to hide.  But, there is no danger today.  Yet, he will remain on duty while the others race and wrestle in the sun.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, beige grey, black, white, or wood.


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.

at No comments:

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

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.  


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:
at No comments:

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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!


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:
at No comments:

Friday, February 26, 2021

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202102013
© copyright Mike Kraus
Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years.  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United State and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.


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:
at No comments:

Friday, February 5, 2021

Great Fish of the Northern Deep

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Great Fish of the Northern Deep
acrylic paint of canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202102005
© copyright Mike Kraus
In the Northern Deep there is a great fish, thousands of miles long. It turns into a giant bird whose back is thousands of miles in size. When it gets enlivened and takes flight, its wings are like clouds covering the sky...

- Chuang-tzu - Chuang Chou - Chapter 1 [Freedom]


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.

at No comments:

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The President's Cat: Having Fun During COVID-19


The President's Cat: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has allowed us to spend a lot more time with our pets.  So, let's talk about them!  Make some entertainment from an old parlor game.  

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.

Game Rules:
2) The President's Cat Is a _______ Cat - The first player starts and using an adjective beginning with the letter "A."  For example, "The President's cat is an amazing cat."  Each player repeats using a different adjective.  When it returns to the first player, they move on to a letter "B" adjective.  This continues through the alphabet. 

3) Um...  Um...  Um... - If a player fails to come up with an adjective or repeats one previously used, they are out of the game.

4) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:
a) Set a timer - Everyone has 10-15 second to say their line
b) Clap in unison to set a pace for saying your lines.
c) Have the group speak in a rhythm to set the pace for saying lines.
d) Change the letter each person instead of each round.
e) Remember all previous and add your own adjective on each turn. For example the six player would say, "The President's cat is an able, bubbly, caring, dazzling, energetic, funny cat."  
f) Turn it into a drinking game.  Take a shot or swig every time you're out.
g) Have a prize for the winner(s).  It can be something simple.  For example, you get a piece of Starburst for each round and a Snicker bar for the most overall wins.  

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

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).
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.

at No comments:

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Michelangelo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19


Michelangelo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Having fun during Coronavirus/COVID-19 means getting creative, dusting off old ideas, and trying new things.  At this time of year, parlor games are a great form of entertainment.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some art inspired drinks: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/cocktails-inspired-by-art/?

2) The Space - Use a space that is free from dangerous clutter and other obstructions.  It can be a living room, basement, outside.  And more people will require more space.  

3) Choose Your Props Wisely - Go through your garage, attic, basement, closets, etc. and find funny and strange items.  Place them throughout the space.


Game Rules:
4) I Am Michelangelo - Select who will be "Michelangelo" first.  It can be assigned, random, or whatever

5) The Artist At Work - "Michelangelo" will walk up to each person and pose them in the position he would like.  It can be serious or funny.  But, the "sculpture" cannot laugh, talk, move, or smile unless instructed by "Michelangelo."  

6) Actions Speak Louder Than Words - The "sculpture" that laughed, talked, moved, or smiles first is the new "Michelangelo."

7) Friendship Is Sharing - Adjust according to size of the group.  But, make sure everyone can participate.  For example, limit "Michelangelo" to 3 moves per "sculpture" before moving to next "sculpture."  And/or establish an order of turns for all "sculptures." 

8) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:
a) When being sculpted, give them something to read or sing.  
b) "What Am I Doing?" version: "Michelangelo" is given a description by the previous "Michelangelo," like "throwing a football."  "Michelangelo" has to pose the "sculpture" while other participants guess.  The more specific, the better.
c) "What Am I Doing?" Teams: Same as above (b), but divide into two groups if you have a household of 6+ people.
d) Movie Edition: "Michelangelo" chooses a scene from a movie and can use anyone as a "sculpture" to recreate it.  Everyone, including "sculptures" can guess.  Set a timer and take turns.
e) There are countless versions.  Let me know if you have another fun variation.  

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

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).
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.

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Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Blind Man's Bluff: Having Fun During COVID-19


Blind Man's Bluff: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has left many of feeling blind and lost in the darkness.  So, let's have fun and make a game out of it!

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.

2) The Space - Use a space that is free from dangerous clutter and other obstructions.  It can be a living room, basement, outside.  And more people will require more space.  But, make sure that it's also a limited enclosure.  Too few people in a large space will make the game nearly impossible.   


Game Rules:
3) You're "It" - Determine who will be "it" first.  You can draw straws, guess a number, or randomly assign.  Whatever your group thinks is most fair or easiest.  Once selected, the person that is "it" will be blindfolded.

4) Other Participants - Move around the space trying to avoid the person that is "it."  And it is encouraged that you find ways to distract and trick "it" into changing directions. 

5) GOTCHA! - When "it" catches someone, they will become "it" and play will continue.   

6) Variety Is The Spice Of Life - Too simple or difficult?  Try these variations:
a) Everyone blindfold!  A lot of surprises when you try to avoid what you can't see.
b) The person who is "it" must also guess correctly who they caught to pass on the blindfold.
c) Sit in a circle and have "it" sit in the middle.  Have "it" spin for 10 seconds while everyone in the circle changes places.  "It" will point to participant who will oink like a pig.  "It" will have to guess who the participant is.  Once correct, that person is now "it."
d) If you're "it" you sit out the following rounds after you've tagged another "it."  And have a small prize for the final player never caught.
e) To slow participants down, require them to carry a cumbersome object.  It could be a large pillow, full glasses of water, something heavy, etc.    

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


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).
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.

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