🦝 Northern Lights Raccoon 🦝

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Northern Lights Raccoon

acrylic paint on canvas board

202404006

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/516504816

There are quiet footsteps coming from the darkness beyond our campfire. They are faint and we don't see anything, but we know something is there. A few moments pass and we hear a little chittering. Just beyond our picnic table appear small eyes glittering from the fire as they focus on our empty cooler. At first he is shy, but then races to open the ice box. There's no food and his body language shows his obvious disappointment. He gives us one sad glance before sauntering away to find other less prepared campers.

NOW OPEN!

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

🏈 To Be More Relaxed, What Will I Change? How Will I Do It? Goals? 🏈

To Be More Relaxed, What Will I Change? How Will I Do It? Goals?

1) Set a Goal: Start with something small. For example, I will sit quietly by myself for 10 minutes today. And gradually get more ambitious

2) I Do What I Want: I have control over what happens and how I do it. These are all my choices

3) Shut Up!: No judgment. Especially of yourself. This is a process; not an outcome

4) Don't Stop Believin': This is a journey; not a destination. We don't know how it ends. It's messy. But, it can be fun.

5) Set a Deadline: It can be in an hour, day, week, month or year. 

Whatever way you want to be calm, find a way to easily measure if you've accomplished your goal.

Most of all, find a way to MAKE IT FUN!!!

😎 How Relaxed and Happy Am I? 😎

TAKE THE QUIZ!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/permalink/869257465222224

When complete, go to “See Answers” and add up the score (there are no incorrect answers). Possible results are 0–40. They indicate:
► Scores ranging from 0–13 would be considered relaxed.
► Scores ranging from 14–26 would be considered moderate stress.
► Scores ranging from 27–40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Did I score a 14 or higher? Write down the score somewhere I can easily find it later. Follow our relaxation guide at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/learning_content After I’ve completed, take the quiz again to see if I’m more calm and relaxed.

You're invited to:

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

🌞😎 What Motivation Do I Have To Be Calm and Relaxed? 😎🌞

 

Am I feeling doubts about my career, lost, family problems, or bored? How do I want my life to be different? How will I be better next year; in 5 years? Write it down.

😎 How Relaxed and Happy Am I? 😎

TAKE THE QUIZ!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/permalink/869257465222224

When complete, go to “See Answers” and add up the score (there are no incorrect answers). Possible results are 0–40. They indicate:
► Scores ranging from 0–13 would be considered relaxed.
► Scores ranging from 14–26 would be considered moderate stress.
► Scores ranging from 27–40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Did I score a 14 or higher? Write down the score somewhere I can easily find it later. Follow our relaxation guide at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/learning_content After I’ve completed, take the quiz again to see if I’m more calm and relaxed.

You're invited to:

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Carefree Wine Tasting: Pinot Grigio/Gris

I am a dummy about wine.  So, this is all about having fun and enjoying good food and drinks.  It's amazing to discover what we really like once we get beyond price, packaging, and marketing.  And we use our notes later to help with our future purchases for meals and/or gifts.

How it works is simple.  We mark each wine glass and mix them to keep their identity secret.  Then we sip each to look for the smell, taste, texture, acidity, and tannins.  We then do it again with food suggestions we've found from various sources.  Finally, we rank our favorites with and without food ending with an overall winner.  

Note before we begin:  What is the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?  They are the same grape, but Pinot Grigio is grown in Italy and Pinot Gris is from France.  Pinot Grigio tends to be harvested earlier too for more crispness and dryer flavor.  As the selection is from California, Oregon, and Italy; they're expected to be very close.

Spasso Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022 (no website)

Color: Soft golden yellow

Nose/Smell: Crisp lemon with faint apple

Taste: Tart apple with buttered herbs

Texure/Mouthfeel: Soft with a little bite at the end

Acid/Cheek: lightly Acidic

Tannin/Gumdryness: Slight-to-medium dryness

Food: 

Clementines: Immediately sour/tart that quickly disappears

Lemon Cookies: Tart-to-sweet.  Brings out the sugars.  Good

Herb Goat Cheese: Super smooth and soft

Lightly Salted Almonds: Punch of sour to start, nutty, then smooth.

Carrots: Mike: neutralized palatte  Megan: Tastes like bad salad

White Chocolate: Bitter that gives way to enhanced chocolate flavor

Underwood Pinot Gris 2021 (https://shop.unionwinecompany.com/collections/underwood/products/2022-underwood-pinot-gris)

Color: Light orange/pink/peach

Nose/Smell: Tart sour apple and strawberry

Taste: Tart with very faint peach, sour apple.  Lingering aftertaste

Texure/Mouthfeel: Rough cotton-to-smooth

Acid/Cheek: Medium acid that disappears

Tannin/Gumdryness: A little dry 

Food: 

Clementines: Mike: smoother, but a little off Megan: Tastes like soap

Lemon Cookies: Mike: Pungent then sweet Megan: Dirty Socks

Herb Goat Cheese: Good, not as tart.  Easy to drink.

Lightly Salted Almonds: Brings out the sour/bitterness.  Makes wine better

Carrots: Mike: neutralized palatte  Megan: eh...

White Chocolate: Good tartness.

Bota Box Pinot Grigio (https://www.botabox.com/wines/pinot-grigio/)

Color: Foggy Light Yellow

Nose/Smell: Citrus/Lemon and grass

Taste: Apple, Citrus/Lemon, Buttery

Texure/Mouthfeel: Smooth and soft with nice tartness

Acid/Cheek: Lightly acidic

Tannin/Gumdryness: Sort of dry on back of tongue

Food: 

Clementines: Really good and full of fruity flavor

Lemon Cookies: Brought out the lemon and went down easy

Herb Goat Cheese: Makes the wine sweet and lemony.  Everything more flavorful

Lightly Salted Almonds: Starts our sweet then lightly sour

Carrots: Mike: neutralized palatte  Megan: yuck

White Chocolate: Paired well, but leaned toward chocolate

Estancia Pinot Grigio 2022 (https://www.estanciawines.com/products/pinot-grigio)

Color: Very light hay/yellow.  Bubbly

Nose/Smell: Mike: Sweet woodsiness Megan: Orange Starburst

Taste: Tart Apple and butter

Texure/Mouthfeel: Smooth with a little roughness/stab at throat

Acid/Cheek: low-to-medium acidity

Tannin/Gumdryness: Lightly dry on the finish

Food: 

Clementines: Less smooth and emphasizes dryness

Lemon Cookies: Immediately bitter and tart  Mike: Fine. Megan: no good

Herb Goat Cheese: Sweet.  Brings out the lemon of the wine.  Mike: Smoothly tart like Sprite pop/soda

Lightly Salted Almonds: All sour and rough

Carrots: Mike: neutralized palatte  Megan: Best wine with carrots

White Chocolate: Like mineral water

BEST PINOT GRIGIO/GRIS ON ITS OWN:

#1 (TIE) Bota Box Pinot Grigio/Spasso Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022

#2 (TIE) Underwood Pinot Gris 2021/Estancia Pinot Grigio 2022

BEST PINOT GRIGIO/GRIS WITH FOOD:

#1 (TIE) Bota Box Pinot Grigio/Spasso Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022

#2 (TIE) Underwood Pinot Gris 2021/Estancia Pinot Grigio 2022

BEST OVERALL PINOT GRIGIO/GRIS:

#1 (TIE) Bota Box Pinot Grigio/Spasso Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2022

#2 (TIE) Underwood Pinot Gris 2021/Estancia Pinot Grigio 2022

This was the closest tasting we've ever had.  It only varied a bit with levels of fruit flavor, tartness, smoothness, acid, and dryness.  Most of the differences came from their reaction to food, which had a wide range.  I hope this helps you find something you like.  Maybe you'll have a different experience.  Or you'll share one for us to try next time.  THANKS!

See our other wine tasting results at:

Riesling: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2024/05/carefree-wine-tasting-riesling.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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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 thousands 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: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/

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

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

 

🤷‍♀️ Am I Ready To Change My HabitsTo Be More Relaxed? 🤷‍♀

 

Here are a few signs I’m ready to try something new:

1. I’m Stressed Out: What is causing it and is it worth it? If so, what can I do to mediate the anxiety?
2. A Painful Challenge: I’m experiencing difficulty with loved ones, money, career, or something else.
3. Frustration: Negativity and unhappiness has made me sick and tired of the situation.
4. Barely Holding On: Instead of thriving, I’m going from one disaster to another.
5. Sad Choices: I prefer to do something else. But, I keep compromising or go along with bad ideas because it’s easier and/or to please someone else.
6. So Bored…: Every day is the same… Nothing is fun… Ugh…

CHANGE IS DIFFICULT! Read that again. Habits don’t break easily. I have to decide to be more relaxed and believe I can be more calm. And when I fail (because I will sometimes fail), I will try again because I know it will be so rewarding.

😎 How Relaxed and Happy Am I? 😎
TAKE THE QUIZ!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/permalink/869257465222224

When complete, go to “See Answers” and add up the score (there are no incorrect answers). Possible results are 0–40. They indicate:

► Scores ranging from 0–13 would be considered relaxed.

► Scores ranging from 14–26 would be considered moderate stress.

► Scores ranging from 27–40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Did I score a 14 or higher? Write down the score somewhere I can easily find it later. Follow our relaxation guide at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/learning_content After I’ve completed, take the quiz again to see if I’m more calm and relaxed.

You're invited to:

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

😎 Do I Seem Calm and Relaxed To You? Ask A Friend 😎

 

Sometimes, we have difficulty seeing ourselves how we really are. Especially when we are stressed out. So, it can be a good thing to ask a loved one about their impressions of us. To give us a healthy perspective. Here are a few good questions to ask:

-Do I appear frustrated to you lately?
-How do you know when I’m feeling anxious? (Words and actions)
-How well do you think I handle stress?
-What do you believe is causing me the most stress: home life, work, or relationship, other?
-Do you have any suggestions to help me be more calm and relaxed?

Seeing ourselves through someone else’s eyes can have a big impact.

😎 How Relaxed and Happy Am I? 😎
TAKE THE QUIZ!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/permalink/869257465222224

When complete, go to “See Answers” and add up the score (there are no incorrect answers). Possible results are 0–40. They indicate:

► Scores ranging from 0–13 would be considered relaxed.

► Scores ranging from 14–26 would be considered moderate stress.

► Scores ranging from 27–40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Did I score a 14 or higher? Write down the score somewhere I can easily find it later. Follow our relaxation guide at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/learning_content After I’ve completed, take the quiz again to see if I’m more calm and relaxed.

You're invited to:

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1010314483963542/1010314540630203/?ref=newsfeed

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

😎 How Relaxed An Happy Am I? 😎

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

😎 How Relaxed and Happy Am I? 😎
TAKE THE QUIZ!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/permalink/869257465222224

When complete, go to “See Answers” and add up the score (there are no incorrect answers). Possible results are 0–40. They indicate:

► Scores ranging from 0–13 would be considered relaxed.

► Scores ranging from 14–26 would be considered moderate stress.

► Scores ranging from 27–40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Did I score a 14 or higher? Write down the score somewhere I can easily find it later. Follow our relaxation guide at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/allfreedom/learning_content After I’ve completed, take the quiz again to see if I’m more calm and relaxed.

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children’s 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 thousands 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus