"All I am is a man

I want the world in my hands

I hate the beach

But I stand

In California with my toes in the sand

Use the sleeves of my sweater

Let's have an adventure

Head in the clouds but my gravity's centered

Touch my neck and I'll touch yours

You in those little high waisted shorts, oh

She knows what I think about

And what I think about

One love, two mouths

One love, one house

No shirt, no blouse

Just us, you find out

Nothing that I wouldn't wanna tell you about, no

'Cause it's too cold

For you here and now

So let me hold

Both your hands in the holes of my sweater"

- The Neighborhood: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVGZkUY0UQ

[A crowd descends as Ryan emerges from the ocean, with the lovely and devilish “damsel in distress” Rae, safely in his arms]

Dee [Whispering]: Hah! she is like the best looking drowning victim I have ever seen.

Gwen [Whispering]: Shhh!....umm, but yeah… you’re right…she changed her swimsuit and..I think she even put on waterproof make-up!

Ryan: Are you alright?...It’s Rae, right?

Rae: *coughing* yes, yes…I am okay...I think…the...um…the strong current just swept me out into the ocean…I was so far out, before I knew it…oh my god, it was just so, so scary!

Ryan: hey, hey, calm down, save your words and catch your breath, it’s okay, you’re safe now. Let’s take you back to the lifeguard tower and get you checked out.

Rae: You saved my life…I just can’t stop shaking, please, don’t let go of me.

Ryan: No worries, I have you, I won’t let you go.

Dee [Whispering]: Well, I guess I learned not to question Rae’s skills…she DEFINITELY has Ryan’s full attention…

Gwen [Whispering]: …sigh…poor Gavin, he is geek, but he is a sweet guy.

Dee [Whispering]: Right. I can only imagine what Rae’s next move will be…

Gwen [Whispering]: Anyways...are you hungry?

Dee [Whispering]: Yeah.

Gwen [Whispering]: Chipotle?

Dee [Whispering]: Totally.

Summer might be nearing an end, but a new friendship is in full bloom.

_____________________________________

Whitney – Thanks for inviting me to hang out today…I really appreciate it. I had a lot of fun.

Taylor – Oh gosh Whit, you act like I was doing you a big favor. Honestly, it was my pleasure. I had a great time today. We really should have done this sooner.

Whitney – Yeah, I really needed the study break.

Taylor – Whitney, Whitney! School doesn’t start for another month! Summer is all about beaches, boys, shopping and girl talk….not SAT prep.

Whitney – Hey! (laughing) cut me some slack, I am trying…It’s just hard to turn it off sometimes. I mean…Jason is the outgoing, good looking and popular one…so academic, winning awards and being “the smart twin,” kinda became my thing.

Taylor – Well, first of all, there is more to you that just being “the smart one.” And second, no offense, but Jason might be cute and the star of the basketball team…but he is a major tool.

Whitney – Hah! No offense taken.

Taylor – So…I gotta ask. What is the story with you and Gavin?

Whitney – [pause]…I…I wish there was a real story. I will be honest. I like him…I liked him a lot. And…I thought he might like me. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t. And then he ended up with R—

Taylor – UGH! Don’t even say that witch’s name! You and Gavin would be AMAZING together. She totally doesn’t deserve him!

Whitney – Well…let’s be fair…no one is forcing him to be with her.

Taylor – Yeah, but c’mon, you never know. That witch might have cast a spell on him (grinning)…just like when she “magically” spilled her drink on you…by accident (rolling eyes).

Whitney – You don’t need to remind me…I lived it. So… enough about Gavin and “her.” I think I could do another round of shopping. There are a few sidewalk shops that looked kinda look.

Taylor – Totally! Let’s do it…but you actually have to buy something this go-round.

Whitney – Deal!

______________________________________

Catch-Up on Part 1 of Girl Talk

[As the sun begins to set on West Haven Beach, the action is just starting to rise for some. But little do these two secret lovers know that from afar, someone is watching….)

------------

Ryan – Hey…

Rae – Hey yourself…

{Ryan and Rae locking in a tight embrace with a passionate kiss}

Ryan – Man, I’ve freak’n missed you, you are so damn hot.

Rae – Hmm, well, you’re not bad yourself (winking)

Ryan – Just “not bad”?

Rae – Hah, fine…you know how uber amazingly hot and sexy you are…

Ryan – So, did you tell him? Are you finally all mine? I am not into this sneaking around stuff.

Rae – Yeah…uh, yeah. I told him…but, we still need to keep things on the downlow for just a lil bit longer…

Ryan—What? Why?

Rae – Ahh babe, Gavin was totally devastated when I dumped him. I don’t wanna turn around and flaunt my hot and sexy new guy in front of him. You understand, right? That would just be mean.

Ryan – Oh, yeah. I guess you’re right. Look at you, such a sweet girl, even in a break-up. I guess I am the only one who knows how “bad” you can be. (grinning)

Rae – [giggling] you got that right. Now, let’s get back to business…

[As Rae and Ryan give into their raging teen hormones, a mysterious lurker, hidden in the dark, is documenting in each and every steamy transgression.]

Hello Flickr Friends! I hope everyone is having a wonderful and fun summer. I have been off working AND playing hard, but I gotta have my doll time ;-)

Just like the awesome Summer Seasons of Beverly Hills 90210, most of my Teen Scene action is going to take place at the beach club. I am working away on re-painting some vintage 80s Barbie playset pieces to use as set-pieces for the upcoming photo shoots. I just finished the palm trees and wanted to take a quick teaser photo.

Enjoy and Have Fun!

- Dawn

[The final overheard at the beach segment reveals a connection between two of the LMV Teens, while serving up some harsh advice…]

------

Jason --Hey dorkface, is this seat taken?

Whitney -- Um no…

Jason -- Hah, yeah, of course it isn’t

Whitney -- *sigh* What do you want Jason?

Jason -- What? Can’t a big brother check-up on his baby sis?

Whitney – First of all Jason, you are only 2 minutes and 15 seconds older than me. And second, you rarely acknowledge my existence in public, especially when your “cool” friends are around.

Jason -- Well, when you dress like that and wear sunscreen on your nose like you just stepped out of a 1980s Revenge of the Nerds movie, can you blame me?

Whitney -- Jason, like I said earlier, what do you want? I am trying to student for the SATs

Jason -- See, that is exactly why I want to talk to you. C’mon Whit. It’s summer. Loosen up. Start having some fun. Enjoy life, make some friends…

Whitney -- I have friends…

Jason – oh yeah, those geeks from the Computer Club and Debate team, yeah, they are an exciting bunch. You can do better Whit…you’re a cute girl, just stop dressing and acting like a loser. If you don’t you’ll never get a boyfriend.

Whitney – Right…so if I change everything about myself, then I can be a one of the popular sheep that can’t think for themselves. Right…Jason, I am perfectly happy. I don’t need your advice.

Jason – Okay Whit. I guess I should just pretend that I don’t hear you crying in your room at night, or making gaga eyes over Gavin? Look, maybe I am being harsh, I admit it…I am a douchebag at times… but…I just want you to be happy…to…stop being so scared. Scared to be notice…Scared to have fun…Scared to take a risk.

Whitney -- Are you done?

Jason – Yeah, guess so. ‘Laters dorkface, I gotta go get ready for the BBQ. You should think about what a said. Maybe you might surprise me and come have some fun.

Whitney – Okay…[ Whitney doesn’t show it…however, she can’t help but think…could he actually have a point?]

New Installments of "One Bitch'n Summer: Chapter 2" will be uploaded next week! I created a new landscape to add more details, such as the fence and the beach grass. I also had to turn a Wet N Wild playset piece into "Dawn's Snack Shack." Still a work in progress. But, it will save me time next summer, lol.

I hope you enjoy.

Cheers,

Dawn

There are a lot of versions of this doll , from left China with long hair, China with normal hair and indonesia

As the last Days of Summer are upon the teens, Adam and Donna’s relationship takes an interesting turn…

_____________________________

Adam -- Wow, Donna…you look, um..wow, but, don’t you it’s kinda a bit much for…playing volleyball?

Donna -- Oh Adam, I just wanna look my best for you.

Adam -- Donna, I think you look just as amazing in jeans and a tee-shirt.

Donna -- Well, I was hoping this would catch your attention and get you in the mood…

Adam -- Donna, look. We need to talk…there is something I need to tell you.

Donna -- Oh gawd! Kendall was right! You’re GAY!!!

Adam -- Hey! Could you say that a little louder! And No. I am not gay.

Donna -- Oh. Okay…well…what did you need to tell me?

Adam -- [Deep Breath]…You see this ring I always wear around me neck? It’s a purity ring. Donna…I…I don’t believe in premarital sex. I think sex is amazing…and boy, do you turn me on…, so, much…But, I can’t have sex with you right now.

Donna -- Adam…why didn’t you tell me? Why did you keep this from me?!

Adam -- I…I…I dunno…I guess…it’s not “cool” to be religious…and no one think’s being a virgin is cool…I just didn’t know how to tell you about it. I am sorry.

Donna -- It’s…um, okay, it’s just a lot to process…

Adam -- I know. Again, I am sorry. I care for you so much Donna. I wanna be with you…and here [pulls out an item from his pocket]…I have a ring for you. It’s a purity ring…and a promise ring of our commitment to each other and to remain pure. Will you wear it?

Donna -- I, uh [talking before she can think]…Yes! Of course!

Adam -- Oh Donna…I can’t tell you how happy I am! I can’t wait to tell me parents! [Hugging Donna]

Donna -- [look of uncertainy in her eyes]…yeah…I am so happy too…

In Georgia, there is a little roadside attraction called "Barbie Beach". It is a strip of sand on the side of the road with many Barbie and Ken dolls (sometimes other action figures) frolicking on the beach. It is always interesting, strange, sometimes frightening, and often seasonal or topical. This month being the spooky month, it has a zombie, monster theme with zombie Barbies and such. So when I passed it this week I thought that would be a good place to stop and get a capture for this week's Flickr Friday, so that is what I did. I found this #face on the beach and decided out of all the captures this was the one. Happy Halloween everyone and Happy Flickr Friday!

This image was taken in RAW and processed in Linux using RawTherapee. I had a grey fading filter on my lens.

Francie searched for special shells, feathers, and pretty stones at the beach.

Vintage Hair Fair Francie

Vintage Malibu Francie swimsuit

Hat made by me

Modern Barbie sunglasses

Herring Cove Beach, Cape Cod

Part of Cape Cod National Seashore.

#vintagefrancie #vintagedoll #vintagebarbie #franciedoll #barbiesummer #barbiebeach

BOX DATE: 2006

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Teresa; Ken; Summer; Steven; Nikki

BODY TYPE: 2006; molded textured panties; toenail polish; bend & snap legs; over sized flat feet

HEAD MOLD: 1998 "Lara" (my dolls) or 2003 "Summer"; pierced ears

***The doll on the left is wearing 2012 Fashionistas Fashions #X2233.

The doll on the right is wearing 2002 Pretty vacation styles! #47620.

PERSONAL FUN FACT: I seriously cannot believe how long I've had my first Beach Glam Summer. I know she wasn't a childhood doll of mine, but she still feels prehistoric. That's because the doll on the left joined my collection so early on, when my doll hobby got resurrected in 2011. Colleen and I took a five year hiatus from dolls when I was a teenager. I never, ever anticipated that I'd get back into them as a nineteen year old. In fact, I thought that when the last doll had been packed up, I'd never buy another one again. And then it happened...Dad got sick with cancer and I reevaluated the kind of person I had become. I realized I no longer knew who I was. Everything I was at the time was fabricated--an attempt to conceal who I really was. And so slowly but surely I started to think about dolls. Within time I was buying collector books, and by January 2, 2011, I was purchasing dolls. It took some time to readjust to the doll world. Taking a five year break from dolls is kind of like taking a five year break from technology/electronics. So much changes in only a few years--kids that were once obsessed with dolls could care less about them, and doll companies have to redesign their dolls to capture the interest of the new generation of kids. And of course, these new eras of dolls represent/reflect what is popular at the time in culture, fashion, beauty, and what is simply relevant. There were no such things as hobbit dolls when I was a kid. There were no dolls with these massive beach feet, and Summer wasn't a friend of Barbie that was all that important. So when I met my first gal, on the right, I was shell shocked. I thought she looked bloated and ugly when we first encountered on another in the "Bratz Guy bin" that fall, of 2011. She repulsed me a bit, so at first she was going to be donated. But within a few months time, I had a change of heart. The more deeply invested I got into dolls, the more I couldn't imagine getting rid of any. Those childish notions that "dolls had feelings" started to replace my forced adult snobbery. I stopped caring so much about who was or wasn't rare or collectible, and who was or wasn't someone I grew up with. I just couldn't cast out dolls like Summer at some point. And while it took me several more years to get to a truly open minded place with doll collecting, it didn't take all that long for me to become a bit more like my twelve year old, doll obsessed self. So while Summer may have at first been spurned and rejected, within a few years, she got to wear brand new, store bought clothes, and even got handmade earrings.

Nearly six years after the fact, I found my second Beach Glam Summer doll, on the left. If the arrival of my first Summer doll had been documented on video, it would have been most obvious how much I had evolved as a doll collector and a person, if you compared it to how I reacted when I got my second doll. There were lots of newer Barbies in the "$5 Bin Bonanza" that my second Summer came from. This time around, I was identifying them left and right. I also was excited to get replacements for some of the same dolls I once got rid of in 2011/2012. Case in point, Tricky Triplets Barbie also came from "Bratz Guy bin," but unlike Summer, she got kicked out. And lo and behold, I ended up with another one in the "$5 Bin Bonanza." This time, I celebrated her, and even though she was filthy and squalid, I loved her. As for Summer, my reaction was, "Oh cool, another Beach Glam Summer! And this one has her original earrings! I hope she has her swimsuit too!" I'm really glad that the dolls I've adopted in more recent times, like my duplicated Beach Glam Summer, never have to be subjected to the scrutiny and harsh criticism that my first adult purchased dolls were exposed to. I can only hope that old Summer has forgiven me, and that new Summer knows I love her!

BOX DATE: 1995

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Midge; Teresa

MISSING ITEMS: Mermaid tail, crown, shoes, 8 star hair ornaments

PERSONAL FUN FACT: What's not to love about the Jewel Hair Mermaid collection? This line embodies two of my favorite features in Barbies--long haired dolls and mermaids! I didn't realize just how fond of mermaid dollies I was, until my adult years. You see, I didn't play with mermaid or princess themed dolls. However, I did always have a fancy for them, and I purchased them regardless of the fact that they had little "play value" for me. I remember seeing the Jewel Hair Mermaid dolls in stores. In fact, they are probably some of the first Barbies I have a memory of brand new. I have found a few fragments of their garments here and there over the years. I think I may have owned this tail piece since I was a kid. However, the bikini top was definitely an adult acquisition. My Magical Mermaids Barbie wears it as a top substitute for the time being (she's been borrowing it since 2012 actually)!

BOX DATE: 2005

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Ken; Blaine; Lea; Summer; Christie; Steven

VARIATIONS: (different dolls) Palm tree bikini; heart bikini

MISSING ITEMS: Sunscreen

PERSONAL FUN FACT: I owned a Beach Fun Barbie bikini top long before I had my doll. I want to say that it came from a random lot I purchased at the flea market sometime between 2011 and 2013. Maybe it came from the "Fashionistas bin" of 2014. Who knows! Anyways, it came in handy whenever I had an incomplete bikini for one of my other dolls. It matched my A Mermaid Tale Teresa's lone bottoms rather well. I instantaneously recognized this swimsuit top when I found it on my Beach Fun Barbie in 2019, in the "Princess and the Pauper lot." She was wearing a striped dress over the swimsuit, but I could see the bathing suit ties. When I studied Barbie's face, I was pretty sure she was the doll who came in the bikini originally. Her large flat feet were a giveaway once we brought the bin home. I was so grateful to have both pieces to Barbie's bikini AND her hair wrap. It's interesting that this bikini uses plain pink fabric for the shorts instead of corresponding palm tree print like the top. I like the look of mismatched swimwear though--it seems a bit more realistic than the matching kind. I love the cool pink coloring of this outfit--it suits Barbie very well!

BOX DATE: 1998

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Nichelle; Tori; Ana; Lara; Chelsie

PERSONAL FUN FACT: I always loved how sporty Ana and Tori's original ensembles were! You can certainly tell from looking at this photo that my childhood items got a ton of mileage. I'm truly surprised that I managed to hold onto everything that came with my Ana doll. Her red shirt however has seen better days. It has been picked at by velcro for years on end, thus why it looks very shabby in this photo. To this day, it is my only one like it--despite having two duplicated Ana dolls, I never acquired a second shirt. Speaking of extra clothes, I only have a spare swimsuit and hoodie. The skirt has also proven to be elusive. My childhood swimsuit had a huge hole in it when I was younger. I recall that it happened early on, and it wasn't repaired until I was an adult collector. My second swimsuit (not shown here obviously) I found at the local Salvation Army in 2019. It was laying abandoned on the floor of the toy section. Being a dolly clothing hoarder, and knowing I needed more Generation Girl Ana clothes, I scooped it up. My Crystal Winter doll wore it home, over her molded bodice (not a very flattering look for her). This swimsuit is in impeccable condition, even though it was probably trampled on at the Salvation Army before I saved it. The boogie board used to be the bane of my existence. I remember that even as a kid, I ended up having to baggie it in a ziploc. The velcro ankle strap was detrimental to the other accessories/fabric items. As you can see, it did some damage to itself. My Jammin' in Jamaica Jai and Sutton pack came with this same orange towel, interestingly enough. Honestly I can't tell whose towel is whose, but I chose to picture the nicer one with Jai and Sutton, since they are newer. I wasn't as keen for Ana's accessories, since my dolls weren't usually swimmers. They went to the beach, sure, but not wearing flippers and tacky visors. Nonetheless, I am so glad that I didn't lose any of Ana's tiny fixings. Despite her completeness, I'd love to get my hands on a boxed one for old times sake. Plus, my clothes and boogie board desperately need an upgrade!

BOX DATE: 2002

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Christie; Kayla

MISSING ITEMS: Sleeves

PERSONAL FUN FACT: Kayla has a molded mermaid tail, so she doesn't have much in the clothing department. Sadly, her little sleeves fell apart years ago. I really didn't play with Kayla as a mermaid. In fact, I swapped her body with another doll's as a kid. So why the mermaid sleeves were destroyed is still a mystery to me. I do remember that they were insanely delicate and quickly became damaged. At some point I had to throw them out because they were beyond repair. The top is also very delicate, but it has held up well. If I had played with Kayla in the water, I'm sure this wouldn't have fared nicely. I have a Mermaid Fantasy Barbie whose top is insanely faded (probably because it was used in a pool, if I had to guess). I always loved the inclusion of the mermaid themed mirror and comb. They seemed so magical...perfect for a mermaid to use. Although I can imagine it would be very difficult to comb one's hair under the water.

Guaranteed to make you slow down and make the driver behind you nervous...

Barbie Beach is a roadside oddity that has sprung up in nearby Turin Georgia. As you drive along Hwy 16 you cannot help but notice a sandy beach filled with naked Barbie and Ken dolls obviously having fun in the south Georgia sun. I've seen it before but never had the nerve to slow down enough for a photo - since this is an extremely busy highway. This weekend a jam-up at the intersection ahead allowed me to get a shot.

Check out an AJC-originated article here:

Barbie Beach turns heads in Turin, Georgia

Notable quotable on the beach's origin: "It takes two to three beers," Quick said, "to plan some of these things."

The Barbie Beach Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58070577786#!/group.php?gi...

BOX DATE: 2006

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Teresa; Ken; Summer; Steven; Nikki

MISSING ITEMS: Hair accessory (shown on doll)

PERSONAL FUN FACT: What a lucky duck this Barbie was! She was part of the "Free Friday Finds Lot" of 2015. There were a bunch of dolls, but not all of them had their outfits...let alone their little fixings. I was so impressed as I sorted through the contents of the little, orange reusable shopping back, and found Barbie's purse and sunglasses. This purse is really interesting, since it is made from a terry cloth type material. It almost doesn't look like it is authentic Barbie. The swimsuit is ever so darling. I have a fondness for polka dots. I will say that the addition of a faux belt on the bikini bottoms is kind of an odd stylistic choice. I'm guessing it was a trend back in 2006?

BOX DATE: 1997

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

DOLLS IN LINE: Barbie; Skipper; Ken; Teresa; Kira; Christie; Steven

MISSING ITEMS: Bikini top

PERSONAL FUN FACT: This is one of my favorite swimsuits from the Pearl Beach line. Teresa looks breathtaking in this shade of coral pink. I really love the way the pearls accent the color and cut of this swimsuit. I'm kind of bummed out that I don't have the matching top, but one day I may get lucky. In fact, I'm lucky to have these bottoms at all! In 2012, my cousin's fiance asked my sister and I to clean up some of her childhood Barbies. She let us keep some of the clothes, shoes, and accessories that she didn't want (or that we really liked). These bottoms came from her--I don't think she still had her Pearl Beach Teresa doll, or I would have left these bottoms with her doll. Anyways, four years later, during the fall of 2016, I ended up with my very own Pearl Beach Teresa. I was so glad to finally have the beauty that owned these bottoms. Whether or not I ever get her entire swimsuit is unknown, but I can say that if I ever manage to mate the entire thing together, Teresa will be a total knock out!

BOX DATE: 2007

MANUFACTURER: Mattel

VARIATIONS: Blonde; Hispanic

RELEASES: 2007 Surf's-Up Color Change Diver; 2007 Tropical Beach

MISSING ITEMS: Vest, watch

SPECIAL FEATURES: Color change accessories and flowers on dolphins

PERSONAL FUN FACT: I can't recall which of my divers had more of her stuff. I got both of them in two different dolly lots, both prior to my Flickr documentation. I'm guessing that these were with my first lady, from "Bratz Guy Bin." I also may have duplicated items...I don't recall off the top of my head. Anyways, my child self would have been bonkers for this doll. She comes with dolphins...enough said. In fact, the only way she would have been cooler is if she had been sold with Orca Whales instead (that's why I wanted Ocean Friends Barbie over Kira when I was younger...despite thinking Kira was much prettier). These dolphins are unique, as they have little painted flowers on them. Barbie is fully equipped with scuba diving gear too. As much as I love the ocean, I would NEVER want to scuba dive (way too scary...I'd feel claustrophobic). However, it is fun getting to live vicariously through my plastic friends.