I had a charm bracelet in my youth, given to me by my sister. There were dozens of charms from our grandmothers, mom and aunt. When the bracelet became mine the tradition continued, until the bracelet was bristling with charms.

Tiny working scissors. A frame with a picture of my infant nephew. Bagpipes. Cable car. Flamenco dancer. Globe.

Then it got stolen from my home (along with many equally priceless items) when I was 22 and neither the bracelet nor I were ever recovered.

Anyway. I think I’d like to collect these sweet little enameled state charms. I like the idea of a finite number of charms to obtain; once I get the last state I’ll be all, DONE!

I can’t guarantee that I’ll visit every state before I collect its charm. But I’m going to get a running head start — I’m going on a good old-fashioned road trip through the American Southwest with my good friend MM next month. I’m so excited!

Photo (not of me) taken by Maggie of Mighty Girl.