Happy Birthday, Liz!

Today is Liz Strauss’ birthday. Birthdays are fantastic days of reflection and celebration in my family, and I hope you have a fabulous day yourself.

I just found out about this special day about 7pm while I was sitting in class and my eyes perked up a bit. My mind flashed to this post and it became a creation in an instant. I didn’t have time to put together anything elaborate, but I hope this has some meaning to all of us who know Liz. Cue story.

The day was December 2006, and I had just stumbled across Liz’s blog through a link from some of the big blogs I started delving into in order to learn how to write better content and reach more readers. I saw her hypothetical questions and a post by some guy called Chris Cree. Skimming some more, I found SOBs and B.A.D. bloggers, too.

Then I did it. I left a comment.

My blogging life changed. After a couple of more comments and always seeing a cheerful “voice” on the other side of the comment form, I felt welcome and at home on Successful Blog(gers). On December 26, 2006, I sent her an article from my heart because I realized that she had the power to connect people who are making a difference; I wanted to make a difference. We connected and strong online relationships formed that week.

Since then, I’ve flown to Chicago twice to enjoy two fabulous weekends with a bunch of SOBs and I plan on doing it every year. SOBs are great people.

Getting to the meat of my birthday wishes, though, I’d like to remind Liz how special she is to all her peeps, readers, SOBs, and fans. Do you remember the standing ovation we gave you on May 4th? We meant it. I meant it.

Keep on being the best you you can be, and we will be doing the same right by your side.

Happy Birthday, Liz!