When I first started on the road to publication, I had this grand idea of what I would do to celebrate when the call came. I was picturing dinner with all my friends at a fancy restaurant; maybe even renting a limo. As years (and years) went by, and I started to fear that day would never come, I figured if I ever sold, I'd probably mutter, "It's about time," and go on with my day.

Reality ended up somewhere in between. I DID celebrate, of course, but not in the all out way I originally pictured. My friends and I met for drinks and dinner, and one of my critique partners gave me a charm bracelet with two charms on it. A #1 to symbolize my first sale and a little envelope with a heart on it to represent my first contract. I liked the idea so much that I decided to add a charm to the bracelet for every book I sell.

In my first book, a musical carousel plays a part in the story. I had the perfect little charm in mind and no idea if such a thing existed until I went on line...and found exactly what I had imagined. (If I did this right, a picture of it should show in the little blog window.)

Now, every time I wear that bracelet, I think of my book, and this got me wondering about other ways to mark the milestones in life. We've talked recently about birthday traditions, but how have you celebrated other events in your lives? Promotions or anniversaries or achieving an important goal? For me, I combined two of my fav things--shopping and jewelry!