Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Vintage Suitcase Makeover & The Heart of Gratitude Journey Continues

My post today is going to be on "Friendship".  It's going to be short and sweet, because I'll probably get all sappy and start tearing up.  Not pretty

You might recognize this suitcase from a Facebook update I did at the end of January.   A friend of mine, Ahlam, asked me for some help cuting up (if this is not a word, it should be . . . I mean really now, pronounced cute-ing) a vintage suitcase she was gifting to a friend of hers.  Her friend, Tasneem, likes to paint and Ahlam had an awesome idea to turn the suitcase into a portable paint studio.  Ahlam has a lot of good ideas and is rather a kindred spirit. 

She had giant tarp, a full size easel, paints & paint brushes and a whole bunch of lovely artist related gifts.  Seriously thoughtful gifts.  Well, I can't tell you how much fun I had!  Because that's what friends do for each other, they do nice things. Right?



They look for opportunities to make their friend happy.  They share stuff with each other that they don't share with everybody.  They are kind and understanding of each others privacy outside of their friendship. They laugh at your corny jokes and they make you snort with theirs!


A friend pulls you up when you fall, and delights you when you least expect it.  A friend lets you be you and doesn't expect you to be anything but you.  A friend has your back and will go to the wall for you.  A friend treats you with  respect and does not allow anyone to hurt or disrespect you, if it is in her power.  She listens, comforts, laughs and cries with you.  

 That is what a friend is to me.  I am blessed that my Sister is my best friend.  We know what the other is thinking sometimes before they do!  My grown daughters are also my bffs. I am also blessed to have several dear and loving friends and some that I've only met online and I would go to the wall for them all!


Here's there part where I start to tear up! sniff.  I just wanted to THANK YOU ladies and you know who you are!  Thanks for hanging with me, thanks for laughing at my corniness, thanks for encouraging me and thank you for listening to me.  I think maybe listening is key.  Are you listening to her?  Is she listening to you?  Sometimes we are so busy thinking about what we are going to say, that we are not really listening.  

I am so GRATEFUL for being listened to by my Sister, my girlfriends on and offline and everyone who reads my blog (I consider you my friend, even if you don't know it)  Thanks for 'getting' me!  If you go back and look at the first photo in this post . . . that is how I want to be thought of as a friend.  That is how I want to make you feel, in person, online and with my blog . . . uplifted and inspired!
 So, I'm done. This was supposed to be short.  Love ya guys!  










One last thing.  If you haven't checked out Dana's blog post from this morning.  Go now and be ready to be moved.  It's beautiful.  She is a friend, a true.        #theheartofgratitude
CRAFT HAPPY!






NANCY
XOXOXO



42 comments:

  1. Your work is just as beautiful as you are, Nancy. By your work, I don't just mean your art. I mean that being an incredibly loving friend is clearly your most important work. Love you, girl!

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    1. Lorraine,

      That is so incredibly sweet and yes, you made me tear up! Thank you so much. ♡ You make it quite easy to be your friend and I love you back, dearly! Giant Hugs!! ♡

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  2. This post is beautiful and full of beauty! Just like You! Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahe wabarakatu (Rhymed) :)

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    1. Hey, Sayjay!

      I never even thought of doing "beautiful" that way! You're so clever! Assalaamu ALaikum wa Ramatulahi wa Barakatuhu. ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  3. Your Vintage Suitcase is Amazing! I think that it is wonderful that you are surrounded by people that you love and that love you in return. People that you can be your true self with without feeling that you have to shelter or hide parts of your identity. That is the best company. May Allah Continue to bless you to be surrounded by those who love you and want only the best for you.

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    1. Ameen, Alisha!

      Allah has truly blessed me. It really is an excellent feeling to be cared for by such dear friends. In sha Allah, I will endeavor to do the same in return and to be as good an example as I can be to others. May Allah bless you with the same. Ameen. ♡ Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sis!

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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    1. Hi, Shauna!

      Haaahaahaa! I figured out your secret code! Your little symbols that sort of remind me of some kind of animal paw print , is actually a heart emoji that messed up! I've done that before! At least that's my guess! ♡ Thanks for the love! ;)

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  5. Wow!! simply stunning...it takes my breath away

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  6. Hi, Tanya!

    Thank you so much! What a lovely compliment! Those vintage suitcases are just so amazing to start with, don't you think? Thanks for visiting and hope to see more of you! ♡

    CRAFT HAPPY!

    NANCY
    XOXOXO

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  7. As always, I can't stop staring at all your lovely images. I love your writing style, woman! And this Gratitude journey is just gorgeous! You are such a beautiful lady!

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    1. Hi, Renay!

      Big time blushing going on over here at Domesticraft! Thank you, girl! Isn't "The Heart of Gratitude Journey" pretty cool? It has been an incredible journey, like nothing I even imagined! ♡

      Thanks so much for hanging out with us and being such a bright spot, just brim full of confetti and glitter! Tell me you love pompoms too!! Ya do, right? ;)

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  8. A beautiful, inspiring writing-thank you for sharing your heart, I feel honored. The vintage suitcase is a treasure and I find that I want to dig through it and find all the other treasures hidden in its depths including the picture book that I read to my two children, "Little Blue, Little Yellow". True friends are a real blessing <3

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    1. Hi, Susan!

      What a small, small world, huh? It just blows my mind, how so many of us, in so many places, with such diversity in so many aspects of out lives . . . can still connect! And with such sincere caring and heartfelt sharing of our stories. It's a journey I'm going to hold in my heart forever! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXOX

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  9. Love this Nancy - so beautifully written. I rang my sister straight away - just because she is my BFF and this post made me want to hear her voice. I talk to her several times a week, but today I had that extra bit of gratitude and love. You have a very special gift for sharing something special - I am not sure I can even put it into words, but I am pretty sure that it has something to do with the unicorns :)

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    1. Oh, Anne-Marie!

      You are such a dear! You have been so fun getting to know! I'm pretty sure we will be meeting in person one day, just a feeling! And I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with unicorns! (I actually snorted when I read that, not unlike a unicorn! Glitter may have been disbursed out my left nostril!) Kinda of pretty in a rather gross way, ya know? ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  10. Even though we haven't been friends that long or have been able to spend time together, I feel we have always been friends. Good friends can pick up where they left off no matter the distant between time. I am thankful for the internet to keep us in touch. I don't think I have had a good snort laugh since we were together. Love you!

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    1. Hi, Lori!

      I so, TOTALLy, 100% agree! It's pretty flippin' cool isn't it? Just thinking about your snorting cracks me up! Whenever I get an email or comment or a secret message on Pinterest from you . . . I always light up! And I always smile, laugh, snort and sigh! We need to CRAFT! I say that everytime as well! Love you too! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  11. You are such a beautiful person this is why you have such lovely friends although I haven't had the privalidge of meeting you 'yet' I feel blessed to have you as an online friend x btw I too love this vintage suitcase :)

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    1. Hello, Sweet Jane!

      I knew you would love this suitcase! It turned out pretty amazing, huh? Don't you love it when a project just clicks like that!

      Thank you for your sweet words too, Jane. You've made a big difference in my life and if you ever get stateside, I know we'll be hooking up! Big love, girlfriend! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  12. Everything about this is beautiful - the vintage suitcase, photos, your writings and sentiments! Great job Nancy!

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    1. Hi, Sue!

      I've got such a huge smile on my face right now! Thanks for putting it there! Thanks for your encouragement, Sue and for being such an integral part of The Heart of Gratitude Journey! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  13. Such a beautiful post!! and suitcase! Hugs!

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    1. Hi, Cindy!

      Thanks so much! Just want to say again, how AMAZING your site and biz cards look! Dang, you got some major skills, girl!! HUGS! ♡

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  14. You did a great job, it looks fabulous!

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    1. Salaams, Sis,

      Thanks so much! It was so fun and I was so happy to finally have tried it! I've got some other suitcases that I'm going to be a little braver with now! Thanks for stopping by!

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  15. Awww!!!! I Love you for our friendship and those beautiful words that brought us to reflect on things that are important...Sisterhood!

    I appreciate you and I Love my T,

    Ahlam



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    1. Salaams! Ahlam,

      Right on! Womem, Friends, Sisterhood. ♡ Thanks for the suitcase opportunity, it was so much fun! We'll have to work on making you some biz cards now! In sha Alllah, you will be rewarded for your kindness and caring. Ameen.

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  16. There is a special bond with sisters.....counting my blessings that you are mine. ♡♡♡♡
    I Love the vintage flavor and coloring of the photos in this post.....and your words are so heartfelt and always put a huge smile on my face.
    We should all have such a cute "pack and go" suitcase to store our craft supplies and bling!! It's like a beautifully organized "first aid" kit for artists on the go :)

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    1. Hi, Carol!

      Laughing at your likening my cool and crafty, artsy fartsy (as Aunt Delores would say!) vintage groovy suitcase to a "first aid" kit! Hahahaha!

      And as far as sisters are concerned, you are the cat's meow. I miss you so much when we're apart and at the same time when we are together . . . it's like no time has gone by at all!

      BIG GIANT HUG LOVE, Sister Sue!!

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  17. I love vintage, and I totally love your work too. Nice one, Nancy. :) So inspiring...

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    1. Hi, Jeanie!

      Thanks for stopping by! I so appreciate your kind words and encouragement! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  18. Awww awesome post!! I love the bit about listening instead of getting revved up to talk next.
    Oh and it goes without saying, the suitcase is gorgeous! Great 'cuting' twinsie!!

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    1. Bon jour, Cara!

      Thanks, girl! I know I'm guilty of that one. Even if it's like me and you talking crafty craft crafts, and your're telling me about something you're working on, it's gets me thinking about something I'm working on, I have to slow my crafty brain down, zip my lip and listen. Cause that's how we learn stuff. I promise I don't do it when I'm watching your Practically Perfect Planners class, however I do find myself chatting to you! Hahaha! On Tuesday, I told you your hair looked cute . . . did you hear me? ;) Oh, if you come visit to the US, I will totes make you a cool suitcase too! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  19. Mashaa Allah, the suitcase/painters kit came out lovely. Good friendships are very important, it's great when you have supportive people around you.

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    1. Salaams, Sis!

      Shukran! This was an easy one, like I said, cause it was so gorgeous to start with! But I have some in varying stages of "distress", that would be bigger challenge for sure!

      Thank again, Sis, for your support and friendship. In sha Allah, we can work together on some projects in the future. ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  20. I've tried a couple of times to get my comment in. Google then eats it cause it's so sweet and I keel having to start over. Now I cant rememrber what I wanted to say but it was going to be very 'moving" and appreciative. I love the suitcase and I love how it is packed with art supplies.I need one for my next trip! And I love having met you and knowing you and just clicking with you !!! You are a fantastic friend.

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    1. Dearest Dana,

      Let google have it, I know what you are saying! ♡ Thank you for your sweet thoughts! I feel exactly the same way! You pretty much define the word friend and I feel so blessed that you are mine! ♡

      CRAFT HAPPY!

      NANCY
      XOXOXO

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  21. I wish you weren't my online friend, I wish you lived right NEXT DOOR!!! Imagine the fun we could have!!

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  22. Hi, Trish!

    Wouldn't that be amazing! Oh yeah, we would have a blast! We'll have to do some kind of collaboration!

    I had an amazing time with Cara and now with Dana! What would you like to do? Think about it?

    CRAFT HAPPY!

    NANCY
    XOXOXO

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