My friend, and mentor, Leesa Finleyasked me to help find a GEM on ActiveRain!  I believe Leesa does one of the BEST JOBS of highlighting her little backyardon Localism out there - I mean how many of us can say we've gotten THANK YOU NOTES from businesses that we highlight on LOCALISM (and it's rumored that the AR Gods called to say KUDOS on a great job!)?!?

So I went to find a Gem... and I found someone writing about "Old Denver."  (Get it - Old Denver - antique gems over there? Okay it's weak but I didn't get a ton of sleep last night!) 

What's not to like about Dumpster-Diving in Charming Old Denver!?!  I also really liked this person's description about the recent change in their life as they moved from Alabama back to Denver... "I left real estate more than two years ago, and swore I'd never return. I was going to be a famous writer, work from home (whereever that may lead me around the world) and never have to lose sleep over an overpriced listing again."

But my FAVORITE Post is the Parade of Former Homes!  I don't know why I haven't done this before now!  I love this idea!  So my GEM is Jennifer Allen who writes about Charming Old Denver (which is apparently in the Central Part of Denver - similar to our "inside the Beltline" area or maybe Buckhead?).  Jennifer is an accomplished writer, and author of several books on real estate.  Her writing is fresh, original - and definitely not just a "swipe and adapt" from a resturant's ad!  She promotes the area, and the businesses there - with charm and empathy for weary souls who relocate.  L-O-V-E-D her piece on The Moving Blues!  (beware of on-line movers! YOU DEFINITELY want to get a referral!  Do you want cheap or good when you're moving???) 

Now that I've found my GEM it's time for someone else to do the work!

For this dubious task - I choooose:

Surfin' Joe Adams (also from Colorado).  Love his DJ moments on Weds and Friday!  I'm certain he'll find someone WORTHY!

and Penny Hull with Stanton Homes.  Penny is another Gem, who writes GREAT STUFF about the Triangle (where I live).

So here are the rules ya'll! 

• Go find yourself a "Hidden Gem" in the Rain....a post or member that was not recognized that you feel should be noticed.
• Write a post about why you chose your particular member and/or post, include a link to their blog in your post, and tag 2 other members to do the same as you...
• Your blog title should include " Hidden Gem in the Rain "
• Post it to Hidden Gems in the Rain and Active Rain Newbies as well as any other groups you feel would fit the guidelines for this.  Send an email with a link to the post you have written to the members telling them that they have been tagged 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.