I am very excited to share with you a wonderful local blogger who I discovered just this morning, while reciprocating her comment on one of my posts.
Meet AUDREY HOFFMAN, a staging consultant in nearby Baltimore, Maryland.
I chose Audrey as my Hidden Gem primarily because her posts were so enjoyable to read, and I loved seeing how her blogs developed from the first post just four weeks ago to her most recent ones. I tend to get bogged down in facts and information when I write, while she provides information and entertains at the same time. 'Wish I could do that!
I couldn't believe I missed Audrey before today - and that's when I discovered she's a true "Newbie" in the Rain. Then I realized she's from Baltimore, about a half hour north of Crofton. Who knows, this could be the beginning of a business relationship, if only I can persuade my clients to spend some money on professional staging. Well, the Maryland connection confirmed my choice. Audrey, you are my "Hidden Gem".
Audrey's recent post, Comment Commitment: Why I'd Like to Get my Feet Wet before Jumping Headfirst, was good enough for a feature, in my opinion, but perhaps she'll be happy with this gem in lieu of a gold star. Check out her post. I think she's putting her money where her mouth is, as the saying goes, evidenced by the fact she has 3050 comment points (which indicate she truly is taking the time to read and comment, "learning from the seasoned vets" and applying the lessons learned to her own posts).
As she says, in this post, she also expects to learn from the comments. Wow, a mere babe here in the Rain and she gets it, she really gets it!
Speaking of entertaining reading, Audrey has started a series of comic pages. You gotta check 'em out:
The Adventures of Staging Girl: Part 1 and The Adventures of Staging Girl: Part 2. Looking forward to seeing more, and I even think you (Audrey) could start and lead a new group of posts in this format. I'm not aware of any existing ones.
My crystal ball is in perfect focus about this: Audrey, you're going to be an ActiveRain STAR!
P.S. Check out her website, Simply Stage
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For anyone who wants to know more about Hidden Gems, here's a link to the initial challenge by Melissa Grant and her new group, Hidden Gems in the Rain.
And here's a link to Thesa Chamber's Hidden Gem. I enjoyed reading about Gabrille Nemes in your post and I loved the colorful photo of gems. I also clicked through to read Teri Eckholm's blog about Rebecca Levinson, which was terrific.
Now, I'm going to tag Donna Yates of the North Georgia Mountains. We met when Donna was an ActiveRain newbie and reached out to me with some questions. I feel like a proud momma, watching her success here with fabulous posts and pictures.
and Jeff Geoghan of Lancaster, PA. Jeff and I comment on each other's posts from time to time, and I always enjoy what he has to say. I look forward to seeing his Hidden Gem.
Coming again soon to a blog near you...another Hidden Gem from me, thanks to Marc Grossman. 'Happy to do my part in promoting the wonderful new talent on ActiveRain. I'd like to spare them the "School of Hard Knocks", as much as possible, which is pretty much how I found my way around here at first.
If you haven't been tagged yet to find an undiscovered talent, and would like to participate, let me know and I'll tag you when I write my next Hidden Gem, later this week.
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Margaret, such a well written post promoting others. Enjoyed reading it and will go check out your gems. Good job!
MARGARET - Since you recommended her, I checked out Audrey's blog. I really like her approach, and I think that the comic strip style to some of her posts is going to make her stand out immediately. I've subscribed to her blog so that I can check out more of her stuff as she starts posting. Nice find!
Margaret, I've read Audrey's blog and have enjoyed her comics, etc. Thanks again for allowing me to tag you.
Margaret, I enjoyed reading about your Hidden Gem, Audrey. I'll check her blog. I've added this post to my List of Hidden Gem(s) in the Rain posts.
Margaret--How do I begin to thank you? Well, I guess this is a start: My Blog Response!
Hello Margaret,
It is amazing how many hidden gems there are flying under the radar on AR. Melissa's challenge and the response of members has introduced us to many new faces and voices. I'm off to read about Audrey.
This hidden gem thing really took off! Thanks for your addition Margaret...
Margaret- this is a grat hidden gem story - and I will be checking her out... thanks you rock
Margaret- Audrey has a fantastic blog and you are so right, she is a Gem :)
Jackie
Excellent hidden gem and I must admit I hadn't rad anything of Audrey's and am off to go and do that now.
Margaret,
You are always so encouraging and I really enjoyed this post and look forward to reading more posts from this hidden gem.
Hi! Margaret and Donna make a great teaching team. Both are professional, smart and kind to answer questions and give the benefit of their experience to us "Newbies".
Thanks Ladies!
Margaret--Isn't this a great way to get introduced to some of those great ones that we miss? Thanks for noting me and my gem, Rebecca here. I will be checking out yours too!
Melissa - Thank you again for starting this concept, and thanks for stopping by to meet Audrey.
Mike - Glad you had a chance to read about Audrey, and hope you'll have a chance to meet my other Hidden Gem - Elaine Cook.
Barbara - Thanks for your kind words!
Teri - Yes, I love it. Hidden Gems are a great reminder that we all were Newbies once, and there are so many talented new members joining ActiveRain every day.
Margaret: I thought I just post my link to the Hidden Gem that I found. It was such a fun assignment and I actually found myself having a hard time to choose from many deserving members. I think I will be posting many more Hidden Gems in the future. Thanks.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/397972/Hidden-Gem-Rich-Dansereau
Margaret - Audrey is a hidden gem indeed. And as long as she continues reading and learning from the great ones here like you,she will be a superstar like you in no time. That's why I hope to continue learning from reading your blogs. If you want to be one of the greats,you have to learn from a true professional. Great post.
Margaret, What a great way to highlight others. I found Audrey through her comments on my latest blog. Then I googled her and voila..got your post. Good job!!