I have been fascinated by charms since I was a little girl. I remember one of my first bracelets had a little charm with a ladder and a ball and something that moved. There were about six charms in all. I wish I had it today. My first sterling silver charm was an airplane to commemorate my first airplane ride. It was from Las Vegas Nevada to Salt Lake City Utah in the summer between my freshmen and sophomore year of school.

I combined my charm bracelets into a necklace. I am not sure I would recommend doing this as it is heavy around my neck. My latest foreign charm is from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It is a sword my daughter brought back for me last year. My latest one from my travels in the United States is a moose from Jackson Hole Wyoming. I have about 90 charms and each one has a history I plan to write so my daughters will know where they came from and the story behind each one.

The funniest story I have about a charm is the elephant I bought when I was in Brazil to represent that country. It wasn’t until I was home and showing someone my charm watch that it dawned on me there are no elephants in Brazil. Fortunately I have a parrot from there as well and they do have parrots.

One charm is Y2K. It is hard to remember all that went on prior to the year of 2000 coming and all the predictions of what would happen. My Olympic pin of 2002 is to recognize my volunteering in that Olympics. I have one charm bracelet with just hearts on it. Another bracelet I

There are many ways to keep memories; journals, photo albums, letters, and handwork in many varieties. Charm bracelets are another way to leave a tangible legacy. They are fun, interesting and a great souvenir when traveling as they take up no room and weigh nothing.

What is your favorite charm you have collected? Have you ever wanted to collect charms and just never did? It is never too late to start. They can become an interesting part of your history.