6.28.2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

Today one of my very BEST friends is celebrating a very important and special Birthday!



Janell Beals of the oh so popular blog, Isabella and Max Rooms, is celebrating her 50th birthday today!!! First of all, can you believe that??? This woman is one foxy lady (trust me I know!).


For weeks I’ve been wondering what to get her. I mean really, what do you get someone for a birthday this special? A J.Crew gift card? Personalized stationery? Flowers? I couldn't think of anything to give her that I thought was worth giving. Janell has been my blogging friend since day one (over two years ago), she has been a great confidant, teacher, and most recently boss! We toss idea’s back and forth, I trust her with everything…EVERYTHING! She is never too busy to respond to me regardless of how unimportant the situation is. She is a good listener, advice giver and receiver. She is fabulous in her own right… Seriously, she has done things that I use to feel were only dreams of mine, but now I believe and know that they are possible.


She is going to kill me for telling this story, but here goes (She is across the country for goodness sake!)



When I first met her in New York last year, I remember her being very worried about her age. So right before bed, we were talking and she brought it up again. She said, “you know, I’m probably older than your mom”. I was like okay Janell, that’s a stretch, but how old are you? She said 49. She said 49 and she went on and on about how she was nervous to meet everyone else because we all were probably younger than she was. The entire time she was talking, I was thinking “This is so cool!”. How cool is that for a 27 year old to inspire to be just like this soon to be 50 year old! From the beginning I have always said I wish I was her! I also have always said that 50 has to be fabulous (especially after watching Oprah celebrate her 50th birthday). Janell is one of those bloggers that can give you a run for your money. I mean seriously, I am now 28 and I don’t think I can keep up with her!


Janell, I haven’t found you a gift that I think is worthy of giving, but until then, will you accept a Thank You or two or three?!


Thank You for being my friend


Thank You for always lending me your ear


Thank You for giving me a chance to work with you


Thank You for always believing in me


Thank You for being that shoulder to cry on even though you’re far away


Thank You for being an inspiration


Thank You for being my only non family follower for months


Thank You for sharing your wisdom


Thank You for being you and showing us that 50 is fabulous as long as you want it to be!



With all of that being said,


Happy 50th Birthday


Janell!!!



I love you girl!







19 comments:

Laura Ferry-Jimenez said...

I'm thinking the same - I need to get my act together if I want to sniff looking that good for my next birthday... turning 35 in a few months! :)

ps: love your "Thank You for being my only non family follower for months"

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Wow, what a touching...and yes, slightly embarrassing...post! You have been such a great supporter right back to me, and these are the things that make the world go around!
Thank you for this post Lakeitha! Janell

Kelly said...

Wow she is beautiful! such a sweet post LaKeitha! it must feel wonderful to have made such a great friend through the blog world:)

Oksana said...

Beautiful and touching post! Love that Janell. She is fabulous.

Unknown said...

What a sweet post! I agree Janell is awesome :)

The Tall Chick said...

Awww, so sweet! I'm searching to find a "blog buddy" that can be my inspiration, too! Know anyone looking for a buddy so I can embarrass them on their birthday, too?! HAHHA!

I'm so happy you've found such an inspiring friend. And she is pretty darn amazing. LOVE her blog.

Champagne on Tuesdays said...

What a sweet post! Janell definitely inspires a lot of people. I would feel fortunate to be as productive and gorgeous at any age as she is now.

Wendy said...

What a lovely post Lakeitha. Janell is a fabulous lady! I'm so inspired by her!! She is a role model for me as well. But I'll tell you, she's just as lucky to have a friend like you! What a great pair you two make. (And, I couldn't believe it when I found out her age either...she doesn't look a day over 29...really!)

Deborah Fontaine said...

What a beautiful and touching post Lakeitha. It is wonderful how the two of you inspire each other. Two beautiful ladies where age is truly just a number.

SHERRY HART said...

What a beautiful tribute to Janell. Don't underestimate the power of words. How nice that you have someone who believes in you.....but I want you to believe in yourself! She will be there to push that first step and after that your faith will keep you moving....!!!

Kathysue said...

Laekitha, I can not think of a better mentor than Janell, she is excactly as you described her. I t hink she makes 50 look like 30!!! She is an amazing woman and a woman to be admired and respected just as you said. This was a beautiful tribute to a lovely lady, You are a real sweetheart, Kathysue

Allison said...

I think your post is so sweet and what a lovely way to help Janell celebrate her special birthday. Janell has been an inspiration to me! She's an amazing and talented woman. You are, too, for writing such a lovely post for your friend. Happy Birthday to Janell!

Unknown said...

What sweet words about your friendship - Happy Birthday Janell :)

René said...

Girl, you made me cry. I love you both and that was a very sweet post. I think it is really cool that Janell is 50 and is such an inspiration to us all. Age is only a number.

Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} said...

What a sweet post!!! Janell is fab, I wish I 'knew' her outside of blogs too!!!

Tonia Lee Smith said...

Happy Birthday! It's always wonderful to have great friends.

Unknown said...

So lovely of you to give such a fitting tribute to Janell, I agree with every word. Your words are the best gift, and Janell's gift of embracing 50 is an inspiration to us all!
Cathy

Michelle Marsh said...

Great post L.! It was through Janell that I found you, so I'm thankful as well. She certainly is an amazing designer and mentor.
~Michelle

Tara said...

Such a sweet post! Hope things are going great still for the eMagazine. First issue was great!