As I understand it, this very gracious idea by Melissa Grantis meant to highlight those bloggers with whom we have become acquainted through their posts. The Hidden Gems In The Rain...Are You Up For A Challeng ? is meant as a vehicle to bring recognition to those who blog, and blog, and blog some more and don't seem to get proportional comments. I think this is a great idea because it differs from the Meme's in that you are writing about others you have come to know and appreciate through their posts in the Rain rather than writing about yourself! While I am all for self promotion I do believe in paying it forward!

Without any further adieu, I would like you all to say hello (and make comments) to  Frank Schulte-Ladbeck! I just happened across his blogs last week and have so thoroughly enjoyed them that I have been going back and reading his past blogs! What I know of Frank comes from his blogs, which he usually seems to tie into the real estate industry even when its titled The Plight Of The Home Garden. Click on this one and your off on an adventure with a point! With a title like The Disadvantages of Arguing With A One Year Old, how can you go wrong! That said, not all of his blogs tie back in with the industry per say: exhibit A, his wonderful post about Herman Park called Back To Nature: Parks With Parks and Parks that are hiding! Check it out and LEAVE A COMMENT! I know the leave a comment thing might get a little old, and Frank may not care either way, but for me it is reassuring that someone is paying attention, especially to a Newbie! That's it! I hope you enjoy getting to know Frank through his writing, he is a very active blogger!

Wait! Wait! I have to tap two other to do this very thing in addition to Frank...oh yeah, here are the guidelines for your posts:

• Go find yourself a "Hidden Gem" in the Rain....a post or member that was not recognized that you feel should be
• Write a post about why you chose your particular member and/or post include a link to their blog in your post and pick 2 other members to do the same as you...
• Your headline should include " Hidden Gem in the Rain "
• Post it to Blast from the past ! and Active Rain Newbies and any other groups you feel would fit the guidelines for this  ( if not a member please join we have good stuff going on in there :) ) Blast from the past ! 
• Send a quick email with a link to the post you have written to the members telling them what you have done and that it's their turn to do the same..and give back in the rain...as well as your "chosen" member to find another gem
• As the post's start rolling in on "Hidden Gems" you may want to include a link in the comment section to other post's...this will also help some along.

 Jim Ludes - He does a lot of sports blogs but as this shows, he does others too like this one on ethics Ball Til Ya Fall

 Linda Futral - She Blogs about a variety of issues and is definitely worth checking out! Here is a Great Blog she did on marketing called Puzzling my way around AR... 

One more suggestion, you might want to put a comment in Melissa's Blog to let her know you are a hidden gem! FYI...I posted as Members Only but visibility is your decision of course!

And I almost forgot to say THANKS to Kathleen Elim who highlighted ME in her blog!

About the Author

If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approved in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@hammtg.com or call us @ 404-354-2024.