Did I not promise you some Charm? In the form of Bracelet? Yes, I think I did! So here you go! With MUSICA! You didn’t think I would go away and leave you with no charm did you???? No way.
Charm bracelets have gone in and out of fashion about seven times in my lifetime. I’ve never thought of them that way, because I just always needed to have one.
I think they’ll always be around because women? We love to collect little memories when we travel through life and make a scrapbook for our wrists!
This is the one sparked my imagination, and made me start collecting. My dad gave it to my mom, the little gate opens, it was on her charm bracelet when I was growing up . . . I don’t know where the rest of her bracelet went (eight children are hard on the personal belongings of moms!), but I don’t think I EVER let this out of my sight from the first day I laid eyes on it.
It has a cowboy and a cowgirl on it, my parents were married in Texas. As I was growing up, I started noticing all the little bits of things I had around, like dice, and heart necklaces, that I thought could be turned into charms.
I have several things on my bracelet that were never meant to be charms . . . the little boat started out as a pair of cuff links and was the very first gift I ever received . . .
. . . from Joe. I turned the cufflinks into earrings, then I lost one, and now, here we are, where it was always meant to be . . . the perfect place for this memory!
There’s my darling mommy, in the big locket — I love sitting next to someone wearing a charm bracelet because I get to hear all her stories! I always wanted an Eiffel Tower, waited forever for it, because I refused to get it anywhere but Paris!!!
This cross with the heart we bought at Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico . . . at the time we were driving to Durango to spend the millinium New Year’s Eve in a cabin in the snow in the big mountains with my whole family. Needed the charm of celebration, hope, prayer, and remembrance.
I had it engraved later on . . . it also has JH and SB engraved on it, if you look close. I use gold and silver together, that way I’m not limited … if I see a charm I like in either metal, I can get it! See the little hammer? That’s so you can “break glass in case of emergency” and get that dollar out of there! Above it is the gold baby bracelet given to me by my Great Aunt Jose when I was born.
Charm bracelets are wonderful at tea parties, baby showers, girls lunch, quilting bee, anywhere the girls gather.
1. Large locket, was Joe’s, now mine. 2. Eiffel Tower, from Paris. 3. Nantucket basket, from my girlfriend Elaine, in Nantucket. 4. Pismo Beach palm tree, from Pismo Beach. 5. Lobster trap, from Joe. 6. Dice, for luck. 7. Two initials, a “J” and an “S” — I found somewhere. 8. My Queen Elizabeth cufflink from Joe. 9. Pair of champagne glasses, from Joe; he surprised me on one of our train trips. 10. Joe ran the Black Dog Restaurant here on the island for 23 years, this is the Dog he put on the T-shirt! 11. The Arc de Triomphe, Paris. 12. A little vintage bell that says “wedding bell” on it — found in antique store (you always have to ask, do you have any charms? They bring out a tray sometimes!) 13. A diamond heart my generous ex-husband gave me when I said I loved the one that Elizabeth Montgomery wore on Bewitched. 14. A dollar in a box … has the little hammer to break glass in case of emergency. I bet that’s a silver certificate in there, it’s old enough…found it in antique store. 15. The cross from the church in New Mexico. 16. My baby bracelet. 17. “SLO,” made for me by my girlfriend Bev, in San Luis Obispo, a place I love. 18. A BABY ring, found in antique store, says Baby on it. 19. “Fence me In” charm from my dad to my mom. 20. Tennis racquet with pearl, from my mom, who loves tennis (and me). 21. The big gold heart was from an old boy friend; he put it in a sandwich for me to find. He was a creature, but the heart was good! 22. An artist’s palette, from Joe. 23. A pendant in the shape of Martha’s Vineyard. 24. The WORLD, from an antique store. And 26, is the rose gold watch fob Joe gave me to put everything on — very easy, with that bar and ring, to get it on and off! That’s it! Whew!
Naaah . . . let’s just go with it . . .
Bye girlfriends, Joe and I are hitting the road. Leaf Peeping! We have the van, we have the cucumber sandwiches, and we have NO PLAN (must say tra-la!). Just going! Hill and Dale: Connecticut, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, The Berkshires, White Mountains; a covered bridge, an apple farm, leafy woods, an antique store . . . somewhere around there! Kitties are well cared for; Kitty-Lover friends are staying here at the house with them, sleeping with them; throwing the ball for Jack, hugging Girl! If you get bored while we’re gone, go up to the top of the blog, there are lots of fall recipes up there; there are lots of other things too, like a really good list of Old Movies to watch, for you who are new, especially . . . it’s getting chilly in many parts of the country, so go play, as will I, and see you soon! We’ll have lots to catch up with when I get home. Be good, I’ll bring you a surprise! XOXO
If you ever make it up to Canada there is a Black Dog Pub in Bayfield Ontario. Great place, you would both love it! Let me know and I’ll meet you there!
blackdogpubbistro.ca/
So many kindred spirits on this blog sharing our loves. Charming post once again, I have a pewter bracelet with all garden charms, to celebrate my favorite past time. Looking at the charms always put a smile on my face when I was working in the office. We are never to old to enjoy what we love, Be yourself!!! Have a charming day everyone!!
So glad that you and Joe are headed out for an Autumn road trip! I, too, have a charm bracelet that I started in high school in the sixties. Yeah, it’s pretty old and full of stories! I added to it during our East Coast trip this summer. It contributes to the fun of the hunt while traveling!
Susan,
I have vivid memories of sitting next to my Aunt Henny (Henrietta) at every family function to hear her ‘charm’ing stories. She was born in 1909 and lived to be 95. I believe she had as many charms (and stories) on her as she did years! She gave me my charm bracelet when I made my Communion. It had a little crucifix charm on it and like you, I’ve added my life moments to it and delight in sharing with all interested little girls who ask.
Have a safe journey and a brilliant time in New England’s autumn wonderland!
Your Friend,
Deborah
I have quite a few charm bracelets. The most recent one I found was my grandmother’s. It has all the baby charms that are engraved with our birthdays. When she died no one wanted it. I just couldn’t let it be thrown away. I have it now and am so glad.
I love hearing that you took your Grandmother’s bracelet! It amazes me that noone would want it with all of the history attached! I am so happy for you!
This made me smile. Although happy to discover such treasures while ‘Good Will Hunting’ it always saddens me to think someone’s special possessions were placed in a donate pile. This is especially true of vintage family photographs.
My Aunt never parted with her bracelet. I’m sure she’s sharing her ‘charm’ing stories with all angels that will listen.
Same thing happened in our family, except it was my mother-law’s. No one wanted it, so I took it, rather than it being thrown out and it is now one of my treasures (and it makes my husband so happy every time I wear it.)
I’m the proud keeper of my late Grandmother’s silver charm bracelet which had 7 silver baby booties, all engraved with our names and dates of birth. When she passed away no one else wanted it. Being the sentimental person that I am, I took it along with all her beautiful 40’s and 50’s costume jewelry and treasure them.
Dear Susan,
Your blog entries are always a treat, but this one was very special. I just finished reading all of your comments on this entry-not something I always do. But I was interested in the fact that charm bracelets struck a cord with so many of us. They represent memories, stories, feelings, history and so much more. I remember a storytelling conference I was at years ago and one of the assignments was a keepsake story. As luck would have it I was wearing a charm bracelet with a little,”Old Woman in the Shoe” charm. The sole dropped down to show all the children. I told a story of always being the, “little mother” growing up.
I have collected bracelets and charms for many years. Thank you for sharing how special yours is-complete with pictures!
Aloyce
Susan i just could not believe that was your Mom in the one charm—looks just like you! And the Queen Elizabeth charm—oh! dear to my heart—I was on the Queen Elizabeth as a child. Wow!
Susan, Have a wonderfully “charming” trip! Nothing better than wandering thru New England in October…or any other time of year. Safe travels…can’t wait to hear all about it.
I never get tired of seeing that little face. Jack gets cutier everyday. I too have a charm bracelet. You’re right, there are stories on them all. I think my favorite on mine is the lei I got in Hawaii when I was a teenager living there, the second of four times. Enjoy your jaunt. It’s a great time to get out and about buying apples and cider and watching the leaves turm. Have fun, we’ll be here when you return.
oops oh dear i forgot to mention that you and Joe can, stop off in Weston, Vermont and go by the Vermont country store…quite a place and the maple candy is really good, and the cheeses and crackers are to die for, but the maple candy is the best. enjoy…. 🙂
And make sure you eat lunch next door at the Bryant House Restaurant.
Hey Susan….what a great post. Love your bracelet…and all your charms. I agree…I got my Eiffel Tower in Paris and that is what makes it special. I can’t wear my bracelet too often as it clanks on my desk at school….but I have one of the “new style” charm bracelets and it’s fun to collect new charms for that. I agree…they will never go out of style. Your leaf peeping trip sounds WONDERFUL….enjoy it all, drive safe, and tell us all about it when you get home ! Thanks for a bright spot in my day !
Hi Susan,
Loved this post! It immediately took me back to when I was 14, and my family was moving away–out of state–and away from my best girlfriends. They gave me a charm bracelet as a going-away present, with a charm to represent each of them. As an adult, I have collected charms from vacation spots, although I’ve worn them on necklaces. I guess that if I get tired of wearing them on necklaces, I could have them converted to the bracelet. What a great idea of yours. I have an idea, could you have some charms made to represent some of the items from your illustrations? I think that would be a big hit!
I hope that you and Joe see tons of beautiful leaves!
Hi Susan and Joe,
Driving back from Stowe, Vermont today. Best foliage presentation I have seen. Keep driving and don’t stop until you get this far North.
Bruce and Gayle.
Gayle! Don’t worry, we’re on our way! xoxo
My Mom started charm bracelets for all the girls in our family= 5. I still have mine with lots of memories just like yours. Your blog reminds me that I really should wear it more often and enjoy it! I hope you and Joe have the best trip ever wandering around the New England back roads and enjoying the beautiful fall that must be getting near perfect these days! Take lots of photos to share with us too. In the meantime, I plan on trying that corn chowder recipe! Thank-you again for sharing all of your charms and the stories that go along with them. It was a fun virtual tour!
It’s nice and dandy you can go on a road trip but when will your UK book be finished…… I’m dieing (dying?) waiting for it…..
I’m on page 80 now, and loving every moment of it!
I loved reading all about your charm bracelet. So fun!
Enjoy your travels through leaves. I’m jealous – New England in Fall is my most favorite place/time of all . . . alas, I live so far away. boo hoo for me.
ENJOY your FALL leaf peeping trip, antiques, etc……….LOVE the NE for this time of the year! Charm bracelets…………my parents gave me a gold one on my 21st birthday with charms (old & new) related to me from birth to 21 yrs old! One is actually my BROWNIE PIN from scouts!!!!!!! I’ve added onto the bracelet over the years and it definitely tells MEMORIES I’ll never forget!!!!!!!
Another great idea! When, and if, I ever have a granddaughter I will start a bracelet for her. Thanks!
The Brownie pin! What a great idea! I’m going to add mine to my bracelet. Thank for sharing.
Each girl in my family got a gold charm bracelet on her 16th birthday from our aunts on my dad’s side. Mine is loaded with special life memories and I love to wear it. My sister and I have carried on the tradition in the next generation. Everyone treasures their bracelet and it’s really fun at family reunions to compare them.
We’re traveling through NY state and are now in Watkins Glen. The colors here are magnificent. Today we went to the Corning glass museum and I blew a glass pumpkin. Not quite like making an Emma mug, but fun! We are headed over to VT after this. Have you been to the Grandma Moses Museum in Benningaton? It’s wonderful. And you can go to Will Moses’s shop in Hoosick Falls, NY just over the border. He’s Grandma’s grandson and lives in her house. Also makes his own maple syrup which comes in a jug with his art work on it. Very neat shop with his art, cards, puzzles, etc.
!
I’ve put Will Moses’s shop on my list for the next time we’re up that way. Thanks! I’m drawn to Grandma Moses’s work because she offers me the hope that it’s never too late to start drawing and painting….it’s not too late, that is, if you start NOW. Tomorrow COULD be too late!
You’ll notice the fact that you are off leaf peeping does not deter us from leaving comments; perhaps Jack and Girl Kitty would like to mind the site while you are on the road! I, too, have a charm bracelet, the one I had as a teen having been lost, and it is a joy to have memories so close at hand. I absolutely love the ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ charm and that your dad gave it to your mom — a big “Awwwwwwww”. And that is one of my favorite songs which I sing, particularly when something causes me to feel claustraphobic. Also Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys. Thank you for having the recipes and films so we have a place here to visit when you are away. How ‘mom’ of you! Susan, you are our lucky charm! Wishing you a most wonderful trip!
I loved hearing about your charm bracelet (and seeing!).
I gave mine to my oldest granddaughter who is now only ten. But she takes very good care of her things and she SO loves it. 🙂
Your charms are attached in such an unusual way. I love it. Did you do that or does your jeweler do that?
Susan, you are just so dear, because you are so real….even sharing your precious charm bracelet! Ever once in a while, I look at mine….and always wonder, is this a real gold bracelet? I’ve never found out! But, it is precious to me. And, old earrings, some of them, tell the story of my mother and grandmother. Thank you again for a sweet walk down memory lane. I needed some sweet memories today.
Love,
Jane Alexander
🙂 Yay! Time for “Our” “Leaf~Peeping” Adventure! I Am So Excited My Bags Have Been Packed & My Picnic Basket Has Been Very Patient!…..Here We Gooooooo! I Hope You Might Get a Few Tweets in…But if Not We Will Understand! Sweet Sue You & Joe Have Lots of Fun & Frolic! 😉 Safe Journey My Friends! 🙂 Twirling into All The Autumn~Magic! Yay! & Oh How I Love Your Charm~Bracelet Filled with All Those Wonderful Charms!…Each One a Scrumptious Story….Each Charm filled with Love & Life & Memories! What a Wonderful Thing To Begin…A Charm Bracelet… Now I’ll Be Dreaming of One…Oh Santa…. 😉 Okie~Dokie Off We Go…Ferry…& All The Leaf~Peeps Awaits Us! Love & Lots of Traveling Pixie~Dust! xoxo Poof! P.S. Happy The Kitties are Safe & Sound….Meow & Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! “Fairylicious~Kisses” to All! Muahhhhhhhh! *************************** 😉
Hello… Now I see That This Comment Did Go Through…Yikes! Crazy Computer Glitches! lol xoxo Poof! 😉
Boy am I jealous! I hope your trip is wonderous and spectacular and can’t wait to see the pictures.
Over the river and through the woods…..enjoy your Fall Frolicking and wishing you a safe journey!!!!! I too have a charm bracelet I got for my High School Graduation from an Aunt; I think it is at the farm and I need to find it and give it to Angela when she Graduates in December with a charm, and as she reaches each new chapter in her life mark it with a new charm….sounds like a fun hobby for me and a wonderful keepsake for her!!! HAVE A FUN TRIP.
Such a sweet post and love charm bracelets. I didn’t have one as a teen but now have several. My favorite is the one of ocean creatures, started when Dave and I lived in HI. The charm your Dad gave your Mom…perfect!
Have a lovely trip; be safe.
I am glad that you explained about the dog charm on your bracelet. I thought surely not! Susan has a dog charm but no kitty charm! Just saying!! Seriously, loved seeing all your charms and their stories. Hope you have a wonderful trip looking at Fall leaves. Still hot in Fresno but only 99 today. Can’t wait until we have Fall leaves and cooler weather. Enjoy!
“Only 99” today! That is priceless, Nola! Made me thank my lucky stars I am not in CA right now. All you California Girlfriends have my sympathy – first for missing out on the sparkling fall weather we sometimes get to enjoy here in the East. “October’s bright blue weather…” – who said that? And secondly, for the heat you’re dealing with this year! Hang in there, ladies! :>)
Here in the greater Sacramento area it was only 79 degrees today!!! WooHoo! Now it’s ‘starting to feel like Fall just a little. Off to Apple Hill soon to buy all kinds of wonderful things! I am going to look for a charm to add to my bracelet..thanks Susan for the fabulous idea.
Your blogs are a gift that I love to open every day. I wanted a charm bracelet since I was a little girl and saw my older cousins wearing them. So, when I grew up, I bought myself one and have been adding to it here and there. I love your Pismo Beach charm. When I was a kid, my family and friends spent many happy days there camping in the dunes when it was still allowed. We could even drive our beach buggies on the streets back then. Happy leaf peeping to you.
Thanks for sharing your charm bracelet.
Symbols of memories and charmingly done.
Enjoy the leaves, they are exceptionally beautiful this year.
Violet
Oh Susan,
What a great post this is! I had a lovely charm bracelet…I’m slowly trying to rebuild it. I was in a car accident 7 years ago. My bracelet “BLEW” apart and many of my charms were lost forever. : ( I hope to one day find replacements – sometimes they are just not the same though. You have some real treasures on yours. I have known people who have SO many charms, they make a necklace too. I’ve seen them attach their bracelet to their necklace too. This makes it even longer : ) Enjoy your trip to see the leaves. Sounds like a fantastic day!! I live in the Cincinnati area. Tomorrow will be our 32nd anniversary. I think a day trip is in order for us as well! Love the musica too!!
Cindy
Just glad that we have YOU!!! xo
Happy Anniversary! where in Cincinnati? 🙂
Susan,
I have the ‘Don’t Fence Me In” charm! It has been on my bracelet since the 60’s when we lived in Oklahoma. Looking back, it was meant to symbolize moving there from the big city(Chicago). But now I realize it really has been true of my need to have enough space for expression. Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE reading…and seeing that you also have a beloved charm bracelet. I actually am planning to get one of those shadow glass tables to put mine in…..I have my Grandmother’s charm bracelet….I cried when it was given to me because she always wore it and I would watch it moving and hear the charms gently making their noise as her wrist moved….and I have my mother’s charm bracelet (she passed when I was 3 yrs) and I have always pulled it out to look at it….and I have my Aunt’s …and my daughter has hers. Mine got lost 🙁 over the years…very sad!….but the others are so wonderful and such wonderful memories! Have a gorgeous fall trip with your sweetie! I think you must have picked the perfect time of year to do a road trip and see the colors changing all over your part of the world!
Diane, you’ve given me a great idea for my charm bracelet! I want to “catch-up” on it by looking for special charms to represent my life so that when I have grandchildren I can wear it and tell them stories about my life. In the meantime, I’m going to look for a shadow box I can hang on the wall to display it–and as a reminder to look for those charms I need to complete it.
🙂 Hi Girlfriends out there!!! 🙂 Since Susan is away from the island Leaf Peeping… I thought, what a perfect time for us to leave a little surprise “Thank You” gift for her when she gets back Home! She is working so hard on the English Diary and I was thinking that maybe….we could give her a list of “Musica” to listen to while she paints and dreams of England?!! I was thinking, that we could call it…”Musica” to paint-a the English Diary-a …..WHOA! that’s not gonna work is it?!! Ummmm…….????? Well…..how about?????? Let me see???????
MUSICA: From Our Heart to Your Ears? or MUSICA: From our Hearts to Your Home…..Yeah, I think that works! I will put it on a comment all alone and if you want to add some “Musica” for Susan’s gift just add your Song Name and Who it is by…. okay? I’m so excited ! 🙂 I hope that she is SUrPrISeD!!!! 🙂
HaHa! “Diary-a”…Dawn, you’re too funny! I laughed out loud at that one. A great way to start a day! In fact, I wrote a post on my Blog the other day inviting people to SMILE all week and then write and let me know what happens. 🙂
Super idea, Dawn!
I’m a mad fiend for movie soundtracks so I’ll suggest 2 of my very favorites, both composed by people I personally consider musical geniuses. “Mona Lisa Smile” composed by Rachel Portman [PS Sue, she’s English!] and there’s a lot of great 50s music on this CD in addition to the theme]. “Meet Joe Black” composed by the stupendous Thomas Newman.
Susan, again you have inspired me to find a charm bracelet!! I already have a few items that could be made into charms. I don’t get to go to as many antique stores as I would like but when I retire next year, I’ll have tons of time to do so. Enjoy your New England get-a-way – the trees are beautiful this time of year. We’ll be waiting for your return.
“THANK YOU!” SUSAN AND WELCOME HOME!!! 🙂
MUSICA: FROM OUR HEARTS TO YOUR HOME xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dawn – Pride and Prejudice…by: Jean Yves Thibaudet….
youtube.com/watch?v=4vORD1qTYKA
TO: SUSAN
FROM: PETEY
“The Song’s Gotta Come from the Heart”
By: Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Durante…
youtube.com/watch?v=okJJwJEGxh8
From: Girl Kitty (xoxoxox)
“I Enjoy Being a Girl” sung by Doris Day
From: Jack (where did you go again?)
“La Mer” sung by Kevin Kline
From: “My Angel” Angela sung (by her) at her Junior Recital 04/2011….”The Green Dog” by: Herbert Kingsley…..youtube.com/watch?v=lMPe1F7XqzM……this is a “fun” song she chose because she knows how much I love Dogs!!!!
🙂
Doris Day ~ Autumn Leaves ~ 1956
Just watched the movie “Mona Lisa Smile” again and couldn’t resist adding another song….this song made me think of girlfriends, hearts, and, …… 🙂 US! “The Heart of Every Girl” Sung by: Elton John
youtube.com/watch?v=qH-VlG107xA&feature=BFa&list=PL80954C27B3436469
Me too, Dawn! I have dozens of movies soundtrack CDs and LOVE ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ too. The movie was so-so [won’t make my top 10] but the 50s “period” stuff was great including the music! Rachel Portman’s score and “Heart of Every Girl’ over the end titles being the best, imho.
I know all of us wish we were peeping with you – can’t wait to see the photos! Just wanted to let you **and the girlfriends** know that I am currently reading “The Silent Governess” by Julie Klassen. When I found out that she used the Bibury Court Hotel for the setting of her story, I just had to write and let you know. Her Regency period writing style is in between Barbara Cartland and Jane Austen.
Love your bracelet:) I’d never thought of asking about charms in antique stores – what a great idea. My bracelet is a mix of charms from my childhood and souvenirs from travels, the most special being the national bird of Guatemala I brought back from our trip to adopt our son.
hi susan..devine!! and very charming…i have two charm bracelets…one is the fangled Pandora that my husband and children gave me for Christmas and have added to it as this year as moved on…very very nice..i love it..BUT..my pride and joy is my Auntie Clara’s 1930-ish silver charm bracelet that i inherited from her. It’s not glamorous, but the charms are so unique and well…charming!! there’s the fan that opens and closes….the bicycle that has wheels that turn..the golf bag where the clubs move around within the bag..the shoeshine box where the lid opens up, the telephone that has a moving dial, the baby carriage where the sun protector moves back and forth..and many more..very very interesting and thought provoking…just love it and it makes for a very good conversation piece!!! love it..have fun in NE…know you will…so beautiful..don’t forget..if you get by Boston..stop in at Joe’s American Bar and Grill at the Harbor..son jake runs the place…he’ll treat you and joe right!! can’t wait to hear about your travels…love, cindy
Just added your son’s restaurant to my “next time in Boston” list, Cindy. Thanks! :>)
Hooray! Time for The “Leaf~Peeping” Journey to Begin! You Know My Bags have been Packed & My Picnic~Basket has been waiting Patiently! 😉 I am So Thrilled Sweet Sue…The Kitties are Safe & Sound Meow & Purrrrrrrrrrr! 🙂 As for Your Charm~Bracelet….Oh My Goodness! I Love it! I Loved Every Charm Every Story Every Memory….Delightful….Now I’ll Be Dreaming Of Getting a Charm~Bracelet of My Very Own….Dear Santa…. 😉 Ho~Ho~Ho! 🙂 What Fun it would Be to Start Collecting Charms….Very Magical Indeed!….Okie Dokie You Two…Off You Go! & Here We Gooooooooooooo! The Ferry…Then Out & About…Let The “Leaf~Peeping” Begin!….Have A Glorious Adventure Sweet Sue & Joe…Wishing You Both Lots of Fun & Frolic Amongst The Autumn~Magic! Safe Journey My Friends! Love & Lots of Traveling Pixie~Dust! 😉 ***************** P.S. Earlier I Typed a Comment Then My Computer had a Crazy Glitch so I do Not Think it went Through…so I waited a Bit & Now Have Written this Comment…Wings~Crossed that this Comment goes Through…Whew! 🙂 I Hope You get to Tweet but if Not No Worries When You get HOME….Oh The Stories & The Photos! Yay! Happy Trails! Love Love & More Love xoxo Poof! 🙂
A little Tweeting for sure Angie!
I have a charm bracelet that was started by my aunts when I was very young. I have no idea how many charms on it but mine is in sterling silver and all the charms DO have stories and memories. The bracelet is about 70 years old. I must get mine out and polish it and wear it next time I go out. I hope you and Joe enjoy your mini trip. It is a very colorful time of year. Our color is almost over as the trees are losing the leaves much faster this year probably because we had a drought.
Hello, Susan! I, too, enjoyed this post on your sweet charm bracelet. My mother spoke fondly of the one she lost at Santa Monica beach as a young girl after WWII. Hmmm…gives me another goal during my antiquing! 🙂
Enjoy your “meandering” through the NE country roads!! My sister and I will be doing the same thing in another week! She is flying to Boston from NoCal and I from SoCal. We’ve rented a car, made reservations, and are going to shop and eat our way around Massachusetts and Connecticut. I’ve told the Friends of Gladys Taber that if I catch a wonderful Fall photo of Stillmeadow, I will send their way! Have a wonderful adventure with Joe!
Thank you for sharing. Darling how much of a story you can tell by these little trinkets. Yes, you touched another cord when reading of your love of charms. Thank goodness we’ve kept our treasures even if we don’t wear them all the time. I like how you mixed the metals. What fun! That’s the artist in you. I made a necklace of my silver charms, but found it way to heavy. It certainly always started a conversation when I wore it. I still view it as much as possible. I’m actually thinking of framing it to view as much as I like. I like how you’ve attached the charms. The length gives lots of dangle to your gems. Did you have it done professionally? Have a great get-away. Sounds delightful!
Oh my goodness…………..your charm bracelet is filled, Susan. I should wear mine way more than I do but don’t have nearly as many charms. This will encourage me to start though. Hope you have a wonderful trip together to a place unknown. I am so happy for you both and your kitties will be that much happier when you return. We loved eating at the Black Dog while on M.V. so next time I have company I will make the Quahog Chowder for starters (my Joe doesn’t like clams so I need to make it for me and some other people). But it’s in my head so I need to get the Black Dog Cookbook out and make it soon. Have a wonderful trip! Hugs, from my Joe and me. Gail Buss, Beverly Hills, Fl XX
Very simple: Susan, you make us happy and we love you.
And I love you back for the same reason!
Hi Sue, enjoy your trip and if you get to Maine look me up. You have my email above. I can give you a tour of my neck of the ‘woods’. I have a charm necklace with some of my favorite charms on it. My wrist just could hold them all. Oh, and thanks again for connecting me with all my lovely penpals this summer. Karen
I totally love your charm bracelet. It is so very interesting. It made me think of mine. . . which I never wear anymore. Most of my charms were from a former boyfriend way back in the day, which can explain why I don’t wear it anymore and why mine isn’t very interesting! As it turns out, neither was he!!.
Ok, that was not very nice. I will have to ask my girlfriends if they have their charm bracelets yet. It will be fun to look back. Thanks for sharing all your interesting stories.
Loved the walk down memory lane with your charm bracelet, so interesting. Again reminds me that every tiny piece of our lives is so precious…weaves our puzzle together. I loved the artist’s palette that Joe gave you. Just a curious thought…do you wear your charm bracelet? Looks like it could be quite heavy, you have a lot of “charm” on there. But then again, maybe not. After I finish writing this note, think I’ll go dig mine out – it’s been a long time. Do my own trip down memory lane. Susan, you look like your mother. I enjoyed seeing the photo of her in the charm. It was the most glorious fall day here in the maritimes. Hope you and Joe are blessed with the same weather while on your leaf peeping tour. Can’t wait to see your photos when you get back.
Thanks to a great aunt, my charm bracelet started in 1963. After breaking and laying in a drawer many years, a neighbor’s necklace inspired to to do the same. Have added several more charms through the years. Always get compliments on it also. Your last two posts have been so exceptional. Thank you.
Aren’t charm bracelets wonderful? Mine are mixed as well! A gold coin from Madrid, and brwn and green one with a panda in the middle from DC zoo. I combined two bracelets to make a necklace when I was working and the bracelet was too hard to wear working in a bank. But now I want to make them back into bracelets.
Yours has so much history on it! So wonderful!
Love the new kitty Jack picture!
Enjoy your wonderful trip, the greatest for antiqueing!
TaTa! Tally ho~~~~~!!!
We just adore charm bracelets. That is our time and place in the world when I think of this. I saw Dale Evens’s charm bracelet on line a few months back and it was just filled and it was expected to bring thousands & thousands of dollars when sold. She too had the dollar bill incased. I love your Nantucket Basket charm. I collect antique baskets,but I don’t have a Nantucket
basket,but I have a Nantucket Basket necklace that when it is opened, there is a miniature penny inside. It is said the sailors would throw pennies as they went to sea for good luck. Your bracelet is just beautiful!! Happy leaf Peeping………
What a fun post! I must delve into my old jewelry box and see what I can imagine on a charm bracelet. Now I know what to look for in an antique store. Have a great trip…less than two weeks ’til our New England trip. Can hardly wait!!
Happy “leafing”!
My mother has a bandaid box (the old metal kind) full of charms and the have entertained two generations already. The third may start looking at them soon. But I really need to go back and look and get her to tell me the stories again.
And thinking of all of the lovely things about fall made me think of a questions I have for you if you get time to think about it. A number of years ago the picture for the month of Oct on your calendar was a witch and a frog with part of a story written behind it. I have always wondered if that is a real story that I could read the rest of. There were no credits I could find so it is probably just some fun that came out of that wonderful imagination of yours. But I have always been curious. Have a wonderful Autumn tour and thanks for sharing your life with all of us!
Love this post and your charm bracelet! I collect them and have always loved mine, and now have 3 and counting. I make new charms out of all the extra stuff I have — including some of my husbands pins he has gotten from his employers for years with the company etc. They always look great and usually have diamonds or other stones, so that sparkle is an extra added attraction.
Susan! Loved reading about your charm bracelet. I am encouraged to dig mine out of the drawer. I nearly lost it when I was moving to NYC & Mom was moving as well. Boxes in all parts of the country. When I finally found it. I took one of the charms off of it to put somewhere safe. Now of course I can’t remember where that is. My Robert Indiana “LOVE” from Tiffany will surface some day ( I hope). In the mean time, I know not to tamper further.
Love how the kitchen turned out, thanks for sharing your life with us… Have fun leaf peeping!
Loved seeing your charm bracelet. I think we have the same one from Paris.
Enjoy your trip.
Loved the post with your charm bracelet and it’s story…I love my charmbracelets. I have 3 and wear them all together…Who could choose. Not me! I love them all. Could not help but see that 25 is not mentioned. A gold drill bit?? Also, I love the attachments for the charms. Beautiful. Enjoy your leaf time, I know it will be gorgeous.
Hi Susan!
Even though I don’t comment on all your posts, I love them ALL!! You are my hero!!!! So sweet, creative and just so much fun……wish we were neighbors!!!! I live on Lake Coeur d’Alene but doubt that you would want to move from MV !!!! 😉 Anyway, I loved reading and seeing your charm bracelet…..I have one too, given to me from my aunt who died from breast cancer in the 50’s. It was wonderful having her charms and adding mine after that…..and I do have the Eiffel tower too!! Mine is all in silver, but think it such a great idea to mix the metals so that you are not restricted to one. Thanks for sharing yours. Hope that you are having a wonderful road trip……I did get to see the Harvest moon the other night…….we were driving home with the sun going down to our right and the moon coming up on our left……so pretty!!! Hugs to you! Miriam p.s. Whatever happened to the Blog contest????? You absolutely should have been the winner!!!!!
Love your bracelet..glad that you were brave enough to “mix metals”……..I was not so brave so have several charm bracelets…most in sterling as I am allergic to anything not at least 18ct or more..or 925 silver. It certainly limited my choices when all I had was the sterling so you were smarter mixing it up. When I had my gift shop I sold alot of charm bracelets so I never felt they ever went out of fashion as even young girls like the feel of the dingle dangle on their wrist. Have a great trip…….no leaves have turned yet here in southern part of Idaho so will hopefully see some from your area. Drive safely and have fun!
That is so funny that you loved the necklace that “Samantha” wore on Bewitched. I always noticed that too. And I wondered if it was really E. Montgomery’s necklace in real life.
My aunt gave me her charm bracelet when I was in 7th grade. It had been hers when she was young. Unfortunately the first day I wore it was on a field trip to a play in San Francisco and it came off sometime during the day. Boohoo!! I was so upset. Thank you for sharing yours with us!
Your charm bracelet is very special. My Nana had a charm bracelet and she had the world on it too, just like yours. She also had a leaf from Canada that I remember. I am sure I will dream about it tonight and remember more of the charms. I loved sitting next to Nana and hear her tell me where the charms came from and who gave them to her. Usually Grandad gave them to her. Thank you for sharing and stirring such sweet memories.
~Kari
Hello Susan…Thank you…I especially loved your “charming” post today! I started my first charm bracelet when I was 10 years of age and now have many many many more. I know you would understand and appreciate my passion. Each one has a special significance, commemorates a trip, celebrates a holiday or tells its own story. In fact, I now have a small cottage business creating charm bracelets from vintage and new sterling silver charms. They are a treasure that never goes out of style and is my hearts delight. I inherited a lovely gold bracelet from my mother but knew it would never be worn until I filled it with charms. Thank you again for sharing your personal piece with all of us! It is a beauty that makes me smile.
Enjoy your wonderful Fall getaway! Safe travels to you and yours…
Happy leaf peeping 🙂 I love your heart, my mom got me one when I was in high school. It is a little different with teensy diamonds all over, and it is the most precious possession I have. She surprised me with it one Christmas b/c growing up, Bewitched was my favorite, and I always noticed her heart. Now, my mom’s heart is always with me 🙂 So glad for their “generosity…” hehe, that cracked me up.
I have Random harvest coming from Netflix in tomorrow’s mail…I have never seen it and can’t wait to cozy in and watch it with my cat in my lap and a cup of cocoa on a cool Autum night! As far as charm bracelets..I love yours….I have one that I started as a young girl (maybe 12 or so) and it has followed my life. from my gold baby cross when I was christened, my baby ring, ice skates, piano, dog, cat, an artist palette, my high school class pendant, gold heart( my first real boyfriend) , wedding bells, each of my kids names and dates of birth, a bird to represent my freedom when I got my divorce!, a paintbrush (when I graduated from art school), and now I have to add my grandgirls…I need to do that!
Charm bracelets are so fun and like you< I love to look and talk with others who have them.. Have a fun time on your New England leaf spotting trip…Be safe and enjoy your time away!
Love the bird charm….I should have gotten one of those.:)
Yep! I flew the coop and never looked back…Life is Good!
Free to be me and truly happy and content! Could you ever ask for more?!!!!! xoxo
I loved your charm bracelet stories! I have two special charm bracelets. The first one was started when I left my first job at the Telephone Co. back in the 60’s. The gals gave me a bracelet with a “dime” attached – so I would always have a dime for a phone call:) Since then it has been filled with all sorts of memory charms from events and travels. The second one, my husband brought me from a missions trip to India. It is filled with charms that reminded him of India. I just remembered, I have a Laurel Burch charm bracelet filled with her kitty design cats! I also started charm bracelets for my two granddaughters when they were born! Each year I would add a charm of something that reminded me of them for that year. However, they are getting filled and I think I’ll give them to the girls on their 18th birthdays. One is already 16, so it won’t be long:) They don’t know about this, so it will be a fun surprise gift!
I love that you ‘built’ charm bracelets for your granddaughters. I am sure they will treasure them for many years. You are an awesome grandma!
* Hi Susan * What an absolutely “Charming” post today!
My favorite charm is # 24 “The World”…first, because “What a Wonderful World” this is!
Second, because it’s perfect for you. It reminds me of the Mary Tyler Moore TV intro-song…”Who can turn the world on with her smile…”
Well, It’s you, Susan!
So… off you go! You two have the van, have no plan, have the cucumber sandwiches and have fun!
* Hugs from Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
I just finished reading your darling post! I enjoyed seeing your charms and learning the history behind each one. I have a charm bracelet as well. And guess what? I bought my eiffel tower charm in Paris too! I found it last year, in a tiny shop on the Champs Elysees, on my first ever visit to Paris. I have to take a picture of my bracelet to share with the tweetettes! Thank you for sharing your treasures. It’s always such a pleasure reading your posts! Have a wonderful day! xo
Charm bracelets have always been a must in my family. My parents started a silver one for me and my wonderful in-laws started a gold one for me ! I never thought of putting them together ! What a fantastic idea, thank-you for the inspiration which we know that’s your speciality, the best in the whole wide world ! You have a beautiful mind, all the ideas you have, Thank-you from the bottom of my heart. Have a fabulous trip with your fabulous Joe !
My sister and I have charm bracelets that use the watch fob (well, they were chains that our father won at a golf outing and they’re gold!) the closure is different. Anyway, I have a gold bracelet and a silver one and in recent years I’ve been wearing them on a chain as a necklace. It’s a nice way to display it and not as noisey when doing church-y things like ringiing bells or doing puppets.
I love charm bracelets also. I have one from my high school days (late 1960s) and started they again once I married 20 years ago. They remind me of all the vacations and things we do together. I love yours.
Thanks for sharing… super cute!!!!!!! I have always wanted one… thanks for all the great ideas!!!!! I like how yours has a very antique look to it. Keep showing us all your great stuff. It makes my day, ha ha!
Susan, I would love to know who made the spiral connecting links from your charms to your bracelet. One day I stopped to figure out that my charm bracelet was probably the most expensive, (and valued) piece of jewelry that I own, and the one with the most memories.
Enjoy your “leaf” trip. Happy trails.
The jeweler that made those connections has moved out to the Arizona desert, the last I heard … I don’t know what he’s doing anymore. I’m going to have to take the bracelet to the next jeweler if I get anymore and see if they can do something close!
Oh how I love your charm bracelet. I have one too. My mom started one for me when I was about 8 years old. I am 54 now so you can imagine how many charms are on mine. It’s heavy. And guess what, I have a pismo beach one as well. I started one for my granddaughter when she turned eight a couple of years ago. They are so much fun.
Have a wonderful trip with Joe. Can’t wait to see your pics. Take care
Debbie from Valencia, Ca
Well Fiddle! as they say in Texas….I wanted to share this YouTube music with you for your trip–perfect leaf watching folk music…oh well enjoy when you get back. Thanks for the CHARM post–I love looking at my mom’s charm bracelet. So heavy, not sure she ever wore it, but it’s full of family memories.
Enjoy everyone–this fiddle music (violin elsewhere) is so beautiful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QGKlZLgz3w&feature=plcp
I’ve got big news! I mean really big!!! I have a new kitty. An itty bit gray tiger that I think is about 4 weeks old since I had to teach it to lap up kitten formula after first feeding it from my finger. I heard loud meowing coming from down our alley while I was hanging laundry on the line yesterday. I went to investigate, and here was this ball of fur sitting in an old crumbling brick incinerator in the back yard of an abandoned house behind mine. I found out one of the feral cats living in our alley had kittens in another neighbor’s back yard, but the other night a skunk was about, and the homeowner didn’t know what happened to the cat and kittens. I’ve been talking about maybe getting a kitten for over a year now, but was worried about my very spoiled springer spaniel not taking to it. My husband says the universe heard my wish, and brought this bundle of joy to me right before the weather turned. We had 90’s yesterday, and the high today will only be in the 50’s. It was just meant to be. He/she (I don’t know what it is yet) slept all night in Abby’s (the dog’s) bed, with Abby laying on the floor next to it. I think they are going to be best friends. So Susan, I just couldn’t wait to tell you this news. No matter what the sex, what do you think about Destiny as a name? Might be appropriate I think.
Perfect Name!!!! Congratulations, how lucky this little kitty is!!! So happy for you Peggy!
Congratulations Peggy!!! So happy for you and especially the kitty.
Yay Peggy & Abby, enjoy your new bundle of fur and Destiny will bring all of you so much fun and believe me dogs/cats can become close friends…Have Fun!!
Love the bracelet & history & I spied that Pismo Beach one right off the bat–that’s where I grew up & lived for 30 yrs, what a great place to grow up in the 60s! Sun, sand, surf….”Wipeout”! I’m just gonna have to find one of those palm trees for my charm bracelet to offset the Space Needle that I got at the World’s Fair in ’62. My daughter got me lots of charms & gave it to me for my wedding anniversary present one year, I treasure it 🙂 Have a great trip ‘leaf-combing’!
well, looking at the response to this blog I think it plausible that you should do a book on charm bracelets. I have my mom’s bracelet and have added to it but I never thought to combine the gold and silver, what an excellent idea, thanks Susan and enjoy the heck out of your trip.
I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy to meet you and Joe Susan during your Fall trip through the little town of Monson , Ma. !! Thank you so much for the visit to my little shop “Trinkets & Treasures” and I had so much fun chatting with you !
I’ve posted my map that you signed on my little special wall by my desk . Hope to see you again !
Hugs, Sue
This is so funny Sue! How these things happen! It was wonderful to meet you! Thanks for saying hello!!
It is quite possible that I’m going crazy but where is the description for charm #25? Did I miss it? I’ve been wondering what it is!
I think there is no 26, I just wrote 26 where I should have written 25! Too much of a hurry!
Loved this post about your charm bracelet! I wish I still had mine from childhood, but I now have a lovely, memory filled bracelet that my family has added to over the years . . . a charm for each precious grandchild, tiny wedding rings for a special anniversary, a little schnauzer to honor a beloved furry child, a crown to acknowledge my (tongue in cheek) family title “Queen of Everything” :-), a silver thimble . . . and on it goes. Thank you, as always, for touching on the small things that enrich our lives. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the backroads and beautiful fall colors!
Have a safe and fun time Sue and Joe! I have never thought of putting my little treasures on a bracelet. I know it is a common thing, but ..hello…never crossed my day dreaming mind. I’ll have to look into that. Thank you for sharing your ‘charming’ story. (I borrowed that from someone’s previous post, hope they don’t mind!)
…wow…you took us with you !!…. such a friend !! .thanks for the twitter photos .. love you guys …. and as I always had to say to my parents before I could sleep is ” happy dreams..God bless you ! “… you are simply amazing grace !!!
Oh good Mary, you’re seeing the photos on Twitter!!
OH! PLEASE!! OH!! PLEASE!!!,……Take me with??!!!?!?!?!!!??!!!!! lolo never been to new England…ALWAYS! Dreamed of going..especially in AUTUMN!! i just love that word…AUTUMN..if ever I would have had a girl…I would have named her AUTUMN….lololol….AUTUMN BREEZE or AUTUMN SKY….or something equaly unique…..AUTUMN Time is my favorite Season!! =) ..I love any autumn movies..that include New Englad… for example…….Have u ever watched..and if not, please Do…… Alfred Hitchcock…”Something about Harry” i think its called..with Shirley McClain..BEAUTIFUL COLOR…strange movie…but, it is one of those…that just mesmerizes you…it makes u scratch ur head..but, i loved it…oh, and Chevy Chase in “Funny Farm” HELLO!!! awesome..New England movie..tooo funny!!! …..anyhooooo…please post lots n lots of pictures!! make us drooollllll….lolo =)
I think about all of you every day while I’m here and I’m taking lots of pictures. I found a doll house yesterday (I did not buy which you will see why), you are going to die for! The leaves are more gorgeous than I imagined.
I, too, had always wanted a charm bracelet. Don’t know why. Noone signigicant that I knew had one. After a particularly difficult time in my life someone suggested I do something to signify “making in through” and thus the beginning of my charm bracelet at the age of 37 (your never too old). My first charm was an angel to remind me that my guardian angel had seen me through some pretty tough times. Many charms have been added in the past 13 years each with its own story. Not wanting them to have to wait until 37, each of my nieces receives a bracelet and Sweet 16 charm so that they can begin their own walking scrapbook. I love that term, Susan, I shall remember it!
I always wanted a sweet 16 charm, but I didn’t get going on my bracelet until later either, and to be honest, I probably wasn’t that sweet! 🙂 Love the girls with the cheerleading or drill team charms!
Susan — good for you to “get away” and whata delicious get away it will be in this beautiful fall exibition of colors and selected overnight stays in romantic inns and B&Bs located in the heart of this picturesque – picture.
One of the girl friends just commented ,briefly ….that there should be a “representitive charm” –dipicting the essence of your overall work …I immediatly thought of your “Girlfriends – pin” , that would be a perfect , to be a material counterpart– symbolizing and representing the Susan Branch Theme — that embodies , “reaching out ” to the many that you touch with your Living Breathing Blog …….Having that Charm would be symbolic that you are a “Member Girlfriend” of that ever growing list of girlfriends that contact and visit on your blog as” Friends of Susan Branch . com ” I think you could put Kelly on the trail of where these could be mass produced in silver to make them for sale at an appealing price ! You might have to go to Mexico where Silver is plentyful and a bit cheaper and where they have the artisins with capability to produce ….
I will get my new Modem this Monday, to be able to get my I-pad working again
Good idea Dad … and I am SO HAPPY to see you here! Yay on the new Modem! We have missed you! xoxo
Yes, Jack–I’ve missed you, too! 🙂
Yes we have Jack!! Happy Autumn.
Now we know what you were doing on your “off-blog” time here, Jack! Coming up with this great idea! Great to have you back! Hope you’re enjoying whatever Fall brings to AZ – do you get “color” out thar in the Southwest? :>)
Your bracelet is absolutely gorgeous. The charms are so unique. When I was growing up my mother had a bracelet heavy with charms. It was fun to look at and I guess I didn’t tell her how much I loved it. As an adult I asked her about it and she doesn’t remember what happened to it. I imagine she gave it away or sold it at a garage sale, not being as sentimental as I am. Makes me sad……
Love your charm bracelet with all the charms. I too started a charm bracelet years ago when I traveled overseas and bought one charm sometimes two in every country I traveled to. I also know that a daughter can be hard on it as mine lost a charm when she wore it and it won’t be replaced as I doubt I will ever get back to the country I bought it in. It is fun to go through the charms and think of all the memories linked with each one. I look forward to pictures of the fall leaves.
In case you didn’t hear, Northwestern Minnesota got 12″ of heavy wet snow today!!! We had highs in 50’s and a strong north wind from the storm up there. Most of our leaves in our neighborhood blew down from the trees all just today!
Hope you aren’t have cold windy weather where you are, Susan and Joe! 🙂
No, I didn’t hear! How does that feel? We had 70 degrees and overcast most of yesterday, and just when we were settling in for the night, it poured rain! But today it’s supposed to be sunny … it’s been beautiful, the leaves are gorgeous, and we’ve had lots of time to poke around!
I’m glad you are having good weather for your Fall jaunt–we’re hoping for “Indian Summer” when we go to Door County. Today is gray, windy, and cold with snow flurries predicted for St. Paul/Mpls tonight. I’m trying HARD to not complain of the cold after complaining all spring and summer about the heat and humidity. LOL! 🙂 But I need to get summer clothes put away and winter clothes out–hurrah for the turtlenecks, wool sweaters, and long jeans! Hopefully I won’t be sending you pictures of snow in Door County this year! 🙂
Ahem….remember in July (105) when “we” made a vow NOT to complain when it became cold?? and if “we” did for the girlfriends to remind us of this….REMIND!
Oh my gosh! Let the fun begin! So many times our snowstorms come barreling down our way from MN or IA!
Cool here..freeze warnings tonight…thinking of waking up tomorrow and having our first fire of the season with our coffee.
I have my mom’s charm bracelet..my dad started it for her many years ago and I love it! So many of the charms have little moving parts. I started one for my daughter-in-law…my favorite charm is the gold jeep I bought her…that girl loves to drive her jeep. I wear my mom’s bracelet to all our family events so my sisters and I can enjoy.
Such a wonderful bracelet. I have a charm bracelet too or should I say had…my 22 year old daughter, Sara, found it in my jewelry box and asked if she could wear it, so I would say I won’t be getting that back!! but that’s OK. Glad to see you have having a good leaf peeping trip. Planning one ourselves weekend after next! Have fun! xoxo Joy
Really love your bracelet, it’s the stories~ they’re the best!
I just returned to Iowa (which I love) from Pennsylvania and Ohio. The leaves there are beautiful right now. We don’t have nearly as many trees here of course, so it was a sight to behold! Have fun!
My heart is beating so fast. I haven’t even read your blog properly because as soon as I saw the artist’s palette charm it brought back many memories and then I couldn’t concentrate. I owned a similar one which was given to me for a significant birthday. My friend had it made especially for me and the ‘paints’ were represented by a diamond, an emerald, a ruby, a sapphire, an aquamarine and a golden beryl. I had it added to my gold charm bracelet and I always admired it above all the other beautiful charms. That charm bracelet went everywhere with me until I left it at home one day as I was going to help a friend do some ‘dirty work’! I was gone all day and when I arrived home I immediately knew something was wrong as my little dog didn’t run to the door to greet me. I had been robbed and all my jewellery (and much more) was stolen including family heirloom jewellery. I never got it back and often still think about the joy that charm bracelet brought to me – I still have the memories that can never be taken.
PS: My little dog had been beaten and put inside a box but he survived and kept me company for a good few years and made me laugh every day. I love that you shared your charm bracelet with me! (I know you shared with thousands of girlfriends but it feels so personal – as if it’s just you and me today.)
Heartbreaking Annie! 🙁 Especially the dog I think, that’s so sad. I’m so sorry that happened!! I had something similar once, not with the dog, but with jewelry, and you just never forget it. xoxo
Annie, how absolutely horrible this happened to you and your precious dog….I’m so sorry you had to experience this and having anything stolen from you changes who you are and how you feel in your own surroundings. My family experienced all of my Father’s, Grandfather’s and my husbands guns being stolen from our homestead right under our noses and the lost heritage of those guns truly hurt and changed my Dad which was the worst part. I’m happy your dog survived and you had more years of happiness together. Blessings
Girlfriends are the kindest people – thank you Deborah and Susan. I do agree Deborah; I don’t own anything of value now as I’m afraid it will be stolen and everyday I come home, I expect to see my home robbed! Yes, the feelings never leave. I did however, unexpectedly learn from the experience. I learnt ‘things’ are just ‘things’ and I mustn’t place so much emotion on them. Being kind to people and animals are what really matter. ♥♥♥
Hi Annie, yes material things are just that in our lives things!! I also reminded my family of this and that none of us will leave this earth with any of those things. I also have noticed how little the things that I cherished the most such as collectibles, jewlery, etc. is becoming less and less important to me and I am giving some of it away to those that I want to have them. Kudos to you for not letting your experience turn you bitter toward people….I agree with you that being kind and helpful to people may pay forward and keep a sense of kindness in our World….being kind to animals is one of my strongest causes just ask my husband we have 3 pets in our home and another 5 kitties at our farm….when you live out in the country it seems a dumping ground for strays and they always find their way on our acreage it seems?? We took in 4 kitties had them spayed/neutered to hopefully help with the feral cats who need homes and someone to love them. Be Happy!!!
Annie,
I would love to send you a grape cluster charm from Napa Valley. Please go to my website and leave me your address.
Hugs,
Esther
What wonderful memories you evoked for me today. After looking at your beautiful charm bracelet it took me back to 1952 when my father gave me a silver charm bracelet for my seventh birthday with seven English Silver three pence coins attached and on my birthday every year until I was 21 he added another silver coin. It now belongs to my youngest daughter who is holding it in trust for my eldest granddaughter. Have a wonderful holiday and especially in Vermont where I visited some years ago, I can understand why the Von Trapp family settled there as it reminded me so much of Austria.
Have a wonderful safe trip. Enjoy this time together and come back safe, sound and happy. I do so love a mystery. xxoo
Thank you for your movie list, I just saw it for the first time! We seem to like the same kind of movies so I am going to recommend one from my daughter. I have yet to see it and probably won’t be able to until it comes out in DVD as we don’t get many movies in Montana. The title is “The Intouchables”. A French film about a quadriplegic and his caretaker. She said it was the most wonderful film she’s seen in a long time. Anyhoo, have fun on your trip!
I just love your charm bracelet! I too have my mom’s bracelet. She passed when I was young and my dad gave me her charm bracelet as a Christmas gift that first holiday without her. He left several charms on it and started me off with a couple of my own. I treasure that bracelet! I love what you have added over the years, especially the picture of your mom. Gives me so many ideas with my own. I think it’s time to pull mine out of my drawer and add that special bling to my arm again.
And I’m so jealous of your leaf peeping! This displaced Jersey girl misses the East Coast sooo bad! It’s still 100 here in NV! Drink a icy, delicious glass of cider for me! Have fun peeping!!
We California girls are longing for Autumn. My husband and I leaving next week for the Blue Ridge Mtns. of Virginia, Williamsburg and Charlottesville.
The smell of fireplaces and and the sound of leaves under our feet, and taste of the fresh apples and apple cider. I can’t wait to get back and try some of your recipes. Have a great trip.
Susan..I love charm bracelets…they tell a story! Tom got one for me on our first wedding anniversary…and has added to it over the years! LOVE!
Have fun!
Gert
THANK YOU SUSAN for the preview of your Fall Frolicking tour of the beautiful Autumn Scenery…..I loved your pic of the spider web with the dew…I once wrote a poem called “Crystal Image” about a spider web suspended high on an electric pole that had dew early one morning that looked like crystal. I sent it in and it was published in a book of poetry!!! I think it even won in the category it was entered in (so many years ago)….such an intricate work of art from an itsy bitsy scary spider!!! eek
I presented my God-Daughter with a charm necklace when she turned 5. I have the same adult-sized necklace with the same silver charms. We’ve been collecting charms for nearly 15 years. I love the idea of adding gold charms – I have several that I do not wear and they will find a new home on my necklace. I will let Christine know that she should also add charms (from her mother and grandmother) to her necklace to personalize it even more. I’ve been known to add a memory charm to a quilt if the recipient is a kindred spirit. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely charms and their stories.
Oh my goodness. Thank you Susan. Last April I made a comment asking you to show and tell us about your bracelet… But I am certain you had many, many similar requests…
But to get close-up photos and drawings!!! I am over the moon with happiness and gratitude.
And then to get 300 stories from the girlfriends about their charm bracelets… WOW
It was a good idea Susan, thank you!