Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts on a Saturday morning: The right place at the right time.

Recently I was in LJ Lewis Silver when Lana said to me you must meet Debbie. When Lana insists, there's usually good reason and that interaction quite literally set the tone for the entire weekend!

I could not escape the feeling that I had been in the right place at the right time and that my life would be richer for it.  

Debbie Phillips exudes an energy beyond enthusiasm that ebbs and flows.
She had what I would characterize as joie de vivre.
Again, quite literally "joy of life."
You could sense she was an intentional person with an unerring compass.
We talked of business and life, friends and art, and of course, jewelry and hand engraving.

And then decided we needed to talk more later. Here's just part of that conversation. Enjoy.

You just never know who you'll meet on a Saturday morning at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts!

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​lwM: When our paths happily crossed at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts I was completely drawn to your energy! 
What do you for fun, for work, and for everything in between?
DP: People talk about work/life balance, but I refer to it as work/life blend.  I believe my life’s work is “growing talent.” 
I help people figure out what their gifts are… I call it their “genius zone.” 
When I’m not meeting other people, I’m antiquing, traveling and reading! 

lwM: How did you first meet John? Seems to me like it's been a very happy partnership!
DP:  Someone referred me to him over 20 years ago!  Friendships that last that long are built on trust, respect, fun
and LOVE!

lwM: Agreed! Most people know John is a world class hand engraver, but he's also an accomplished painter. 
Tell me about the painting you have of his and what drew you to that?
DP:  It’s soothing. I grew up on a farm, but I’m naturally drawn to color.  Like all of John’s work, it spoke to my heart. 

lwM: Your "Fruit of the Spirit" bracelet is beautiful on so many different levels. Tell me about it.
Is this a piece that evolved over time or did you know exactly what you wanted right out of the gate?
DP: There was a bracelet similar to it that was a sample of a special font.  It was a unique shape and I instantly thought of adding scripture on it with some design.  Two of my favorite scriptures are about the Vine and branches and the Fruit of the Spirit.  So I knew I wanted those two combined. 
It’s a statement piece in more ways than one!  It gives me the opportunity to share my faith, my friends and my “fuel.”  The most important things in life that resonate with me.  Everyone has a story and if you take time to listen (not just hear), but to really listen, it is amazing what can evolve.

lwM: I'm thrilled to give hand engraved items as well as receive it because it is so emotionally substantial. 
You made a comment that John hears time and time again. . . "When I want something really special, I always come here."
What are some of the most memorable gifts that you purchased at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts and for what occasions?

DP: There have been so many…. There's the sterling silver ruler because I tell people if you aren't measuring it you aren't managing it! Cuffs, baby gifts, the graduation gifts… I call it “memory making.”

lwM: Hand engraving adds so much character to an item and takes personalization to a whole new level. What are your favorite items (other than the aforementioned bracelets) in your collections that are hand engraved?
DP: The silver disc that is an enhancer on my pearls! It’s my signature “go to” piece.  Each time I wear it, I get so many compliments.

lwM: Give us a parting shot! When it comes to living life and loving well, what would you like to share?
DP:  Success is defined differently for many people.  When I see happy people, I see people with a happy heart. 
Another favorite scripture of mine is Proverbs 4:23. The NLT says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”  We have all driven a car that has been out of alignment.  I use many analogies when I speak and our lives can get out of alignment if we aren’t focused on our core values and living those values in a way that brings meaning to life.  Just like a car, we get pulled in many directions and our days can seem ‘ajar’ but when we step back and consider what our values are and where we are able to make a contribution, life flows with a natural rhythm. It’s a special type of harmony when we value the difference in others and not try to fit a certain mold. 
I’m a Type A personality that has to resist running the world on any given day, but I’m finding so much joy in helping others find their gifts, their treasures and celebrating people for who they are and not who I think they should be!  When someone reads this and they think about their gifts, I hope they will give thanks for their uniqueness, give thanks for the people that brought them to this page and more importantly, thankful for the life that they been given. 
I have a screen saver that says, “what you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.”  So let today mean something.  Be intentional in your thinking and let goodness come from it!
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lwM: Thank you, Debbie. And I hope our paths cross again very soon!

Photographer: Steve Pelosi /  www.pelosiphoto.com