Please help Debbie win. She is awesome and she really needs this gig!

We Mormons have a core belief, an article of faith that tells us we should follow after anything that is "virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy."  When I first started blogging, I came across Anne Bradshaw's blog, and that phrase summed up what I found there.  Anne is a published writer with a diverse background.  She posts everything from nutritional information to book reviews.  She often posts beautiful video clips that testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel, and she also has some really cool Giveaways.   I was so honored that she agreed to review "The Road Show."  Go check her blog out, I think you'll enjoy it!

When I first started blogging, I noticed that someone named DeNae always left comments that I really liked.  Some were very funny, some were very wise, and some--most--were both.

I started going to her blog, which is, to be quite honest, a hoot.  I strongly recommend that you do NOT read DeNae's blog during a longish high council meeting, for example.  Not that I would do that, but if someone did, he might start laughing and be forced to pretend to cover it up with a coughing fit.  Again, I'm not saying I did that.  This is just a warning in case anyone is tempted.

DeNae is, quite possibly, one of the funniest writers I've ever read.  She and my brothers and Charles Dickens are the only people who can make me laugh out loud when I read their stuff.

DeNae is also a scriptorian, a teacher, and a musician.  She  has thought deeply about life, the gospel, and Christ's Church.  It is my pleasure to be a blogging buddy with her.  Most of you probably already know about her blog, but if you don't, you need to go and check it out.  You will soon be laughing.  Out loud. 

NOTE: I'm on the road on a Church youth trip.  So, my posting might be a bit sporadic.  For example, I'm posting this on Tuesday night even though it's supposed to be Wednesday.  Can you just pretend?  Also, I won't be commenting on any blogs this week since my computer access is limited.

I know I keep saying that "this blogger is really amazing."  But it's true.  Every single one of these people on my blog tour is amazing.  Each one of them is different and brings a different perspective, which is why I enjoy reading them.

Lara at Overstuffed is a good example of this.  She is a trained singer with a superb voice.  You ought to go hear her sing right here (it's a little soft, but you get the idea). Seriously, she is an excellent singer.  She's married to a conductor, which I think is really cool.

Lara has the soul of an artist, which might be one reason I enjoy reading her blog so much.  She also brings a firm grounding in reality.  I admire the fact that she has made her family the priority right now.  She is an entertaining writer--clear, concise, and very personal.  You will feel like you know her after just a few visits.

Lara very kindly agreed to review my book a few months back.  I think hers was the first review I read and it gave a huge boost. 

Go check her blog!  You will enjoy it. 

Several months ago--a year, I don't know when exactly, I got to know Serene.  Her full name is Serene is my name not my life.  We met through our mutual gig over at MMB.  Serene has a quick wit and and an even quicker hand with photoshop.  She used both of these to create a photo of me that my bishop pulls out every time he's having a hard day because it makes him laugh so hard. Serene is like that.  She is extremely funny.  Her blog is written in bursts of alternating bemusement/amusement as she mothers her young children.  You know how your kids do things that are so funny but when you try to tell other people it doesn't seem funny?  Well, Serene tells things in a way that actually makes it seem funny.  All done with gently self-deprecating humor and a fundamental affection for her family.  Serene blends the ability to be honest with being basically positive--something I aspire to emulate. 

I really enjoy reading Serene's blog and you will, too.  You really ought go check her out.  You will enjoy it, I promise.  While you are there, check out her art.  She's a gifted artist, and some of her pictures of children were picked up by the Primary.  I saw one of them on a bulletin board in a ward I was visiting a few weeks ago.

Serene was kind enough to read a draft for another book I'm writing.  She was one of the first people outside of my family to do that, and her generous response really helped give me the confidence to keep pushing.

She then agreed to read The Road Show and write a review.  I'm sensitive to the fact that this is kind of a big deal for a young mother, so I appreciate her being willing to do this--and I'm grateful for the nice things she said.