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SBB Cargo Class Re 6/6 11637 'Sonceboz-Sombeval' rumbles north towards Yverdon-les-Bains with a good mix of wagons forming the 16:49 Lausanne Triage to RB Limmattal national trunk freight 60569.
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An elephant at the Steve Irwin Zoo in Australia. They were eating carrots and other veggies with their trunks, quite impressive dexterity.
This 2010 built New Flyer DE35LF is seen on the heavily used local trunk route to and from San Rafael, CA. On this day, seen at the Manzanita Park & Ride in Mill Valley, CA., The Southbound offramp and supports hang just 20 feet above this bus. Meanwhile, commuters prepare to leave this bus for their cars that they left here early in the morning.
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The iconic Bratz pack was always Cloe, Jade, Sasha, and Yasmin. Meygan was the fifth "honorary" member, what with being the first new character added to the Bratz franchise back in 2002. But what about all the others--the one off characters, the girls that appeared only a handful of times, or the other familiar faces like Dana, Fianna, and Phoebe/Roxxi who appeared countless times over the years? It just wouldn't be the Bratz world without this variety of dolls, who represent different eras in the Bratz franchise. Growing up, I recall the excitement each time I wandered into the toy aisle and discovered somebody new had been created for the Bratz line. And as an adult, this same thrill whacked me in the face when I learned of the 10th anniversary doll collection, which showcased not one, but TEN new characters. For me, these dolls, whether they made a solo appearance or wormed their way into countless collections are all important. They not only tell the story of the history of Bratz, but they also each hold memories in my metaphorical dolly scrapbook.
I suppose the practical place to start would be the girls I grew up with. Back in the early 2000s, when I started to dabble in the world of Bratz, it was the core four plus Meygan who comprised each line. But one day at Wal-Mart, I stumbled upon a new face--Stylin' Salon 'N' Spa Fianna. I am almost certain that I encountered her even before Dana, who was produced sometime prior. Either way, it was Fianna that became the sixth member of my personal Bratz pack. Up until that point, I only had Xpress It! Jade, Yasmin, Sasha, and Meygan, alongside a rogue Beach Party Cloe. It's hard to believe looking back that it was Stylin' Salon 'N' Spa Fianna who was my sixth Bratz doll ever in my collection. But in retrospect, it was the acquisition of Fianna that spurred me to want more Bratz...more characters....just more in general. I was tantalized by her cozy white robe and skimpy salon attire. To top it off, she came with a super intriguing spa. Oh the possibilities! I can't recall exactly what time frame I first saw Fianna, but it was for my twelfth birthday that Dad purchased me the set. I ended up getting my doll at the local Kmart, and it is still burned into my memory those ecstatic moments in which I pushed the large box in a shopping cart to the register (passing a school mate I might add, on the way). Fianna embodied everything I loved about Bratz--she had gorgeous tan skin, fabulous saran hair, and stunning green eyes. Not long after, Dana joined the clan. I knew after the acquisition of Fianna that I just had to get a hold of a Dana too. So I opted for Wintertime Wonderland Dana--I knew those stylish winter clothes would come in handy. Ironically, it was the makeup that came with Fianna's spa that stole all the glitter from Dana's face. After several years of being caked in the lip gloss and nail polish, followed by rounds of face washes, the sturdy adhesive holding the glitter onto Dana's features weakened. Within a few months Nevra was the next cast member to become part of the family. She wasn't a personal choice of mine--rather she was a surprise for Christmas 2003. The element of surprise however was stolen when I accidentally discovered her in the car trunk a few weeks before Christmas. I couldn't believe my luck--Dad had ACTUALLY bought me the very expensive Bratz prom runway WITH the exclusive doll. Back then, I didn't think MGA would manufacture these characters in other lines, so it was an extra special treat to get Nevra and Fianna. Lo and behold, the Wild Life Safari line featured both girls. Sometime the following year, Dad bought me my second Nevra. I dubbed her Dakota, and to this day, she is one of those dolls that never fails to bring me to tears. It was an innocent, ordinary moment one afternoon when Dad and I found ourselves at Wal-Mart. He needed a new grill, and left me in the toy aisle to ogle all the newly released goodies. I fell in love with Nevra's rad camouflage printed clothes and the fact that she came with pierced ears. Dad returned to the aisle not long after, saw the look of temptation on my face, and offered to buy me Nevra. It is just one of those random moments in time that Nevra, aka Dakota, has managed to preserve. It was these first few special experiences with the unofficial Bratz pack members that rooted a passion for them, one that even a five year dolly hiatus could not break.
I never would have guessed in a million years that some random Bratz character, one who didn't even exist when I was a kid, would be the doll that broke me. It was the beginning of 2011 when dolls wormed their way back into my life. But those first few months, I was exclusively collecting Disney dolls. Five years of being stored in the basement had made me forget my love for my large headed friends. Despite Dad and Colleen's urging, I refused to have much to do with my 18 childhood Bratz. I didn't want my perfect Disney collection being tainted by those "ugly" dolls that I was somehow obsessed with years before. And then it happened...it was probably the second or third week of the flea market season that year. Within the first few minutes, I had decided to buy a 2003 Slumber Party Yasmin and Strut It! Meygan...familiar territory really. I had seen both dolls in stores, and I couldn't resist purchasing them. I was however very embarrassed by this, and sent Colleen in the building at the flea market to pay for them. Less than ten minutes later however, I was completely awestruck by a random black haired doll. We wandered through a seller's scattered booth, and spotted a box overflowing with doll hair. Inside, I noticed that the majority of the dolls happened to be Bratz. One in particular caught my eye--she had floor length, black saran hair, with vibrant red streaks framing her face. She had a subtle yet sassy face up, and was wearing what I now know to be a Rock Angelz Yasmin skirt, with coordinating boots, and a mismatched shirt. "No!" I told myself...I didn't need this Bratz doll. At the time I was obsessed with the idea of only collecting dolls that were complete. Having no prior knowledge of this doll, I couldn't take the gamble. I couldn't possibly have a Bratz doll that didn't have her original ensemble. So I put her back in the box and walked away. But those few minutes we were apart, I couldn't help but keep thinking of this mystery doll. So I found myself back at the booth, with money in hand. I also thought, "What the heck, I mine as well grab this Cloe with black streaked hair and Phoebe and Roxxi while I'm at it." There was another raven haired beauty in the same bin who looked almost exactly like my mystery lady. I was about to pay for her instead when I caught my mistake--she had different lips and no red streaks in her hair. When I got home and identified my finds, I came to the horrifying realization that my new Bratz doll was actually World Twiins Nevaeh, and it was her TWIN Peyton who I had so carelessly left behind. I spent the rest of that flea market season trying to track down that elusive seller with the hoard of Bratz. By the time I did, Peyton was long gone. It wasn't until 2013 when I finally got my hands on one--brand new in box from eBay. But back tracking to 2011, it was Nevaeh who broke me. I cleaned her up and tucked her away in storage with my childhood friends and the handful of dollies I purchased with her. But everyday I HAD to pop open the container and pay her a visit. Something about this doll was too compelling to resist. Before you know it, she found herself a home on my printer, facing my bed. It was probably within two weeks when Dad and I dismantled my desk and had an old bookshelf set up in my room for overflowing Disney dolls and Bratz. Colleen and Dad were right...Bratz dolls were my jam, they were something so incredibly special and sacred to me that time had simply erased my memory of. I owe it all to Nevaeh for sparking my inner Bratz flame. Without her, I don't know that things would have played out the same way.
I always had a taste for doll family packs, but the bond with Nevaeh and strengthened/intensified this passion. I found myself lusting for the 2010 Phoebe and Roxxi dolls at the stores, and also Sorrel and Keelin, the newest twins on the block at the time. Over the years, I've acquired quite the little hoard of Phoebe and Roxxi dolls. But none will ever hold a candle to my beloved 10th Anniversary ones. I was beginning to warm up to the new generation of Bratz around the fall of 2011. Things in my life were pretty much all falling apart at the time, the only light in my life being my newfound doll hobby. Dad's health was declining, we were flat broke, and the weight of all our struggles was eating me up inside. One evening we were at Wal-Mart picking up some necessities--on this occasion, there were huge rolling carts filled with clearance items right by the registers. Before we checked out, I glanced some Bratz boxes and had to investigate. I found Party Yasmin and the twins all marked down to just $10 each. I knew we didn't have the money for them, so I tried not to draw attention to myself. But it was too late, Dad had seen my greedy expression. He burst into tears at the register as we were checking out, apologizing repeatedly for not being able to buy me the set. It made me feel absolutely terrible that he felt like such a failure, all because he couldn't buy me a set of dolls that I didn't even need. Something about that moment must have really stayed with Dad. A few days later, he sold his boat to a family member, and with some cash in hand, he INSISTED we return to Wal-Mart. Within those few days, the dolls had been marked down further to just $7.50 each. So Dad, feeling proud and like he was able to fulfill his role as a parent, not only bought me Phoebe and Roxxi, but also Party Yasmin (I couldn't say no to that beautiful face and those extra clothes I so desperately needed). I can never shake the look on Dad's face later that night, as he watched me open Phoebe and Roxxi on the living room carpet. He was absolutely beaming, and I think it was that look on his face that has made the duo mean so much to me. Even though Dad is long gone, when I see Phoebe and Roxxi displayed above my bed, I can't help but feel warm inside. Dad didn't have to buy me the dolls, but it meant the world to him knowing he could do such a small gesture. If I could only keep ten Bratz, I have to admit that they would make the cut.
As I'm writing this passage, I cant' help but see a strong correlation between the dolls that mean the most to me and Dad. But it makes sense, after all, Bratz were always his favorite dolls to buy me, the ones he had the most jokes to crack about, and the dolls that hold the fondest memories. I had strangely great luck finding Sharidan that first year back into collecting. Even though she was a character who made less than five appearances, I saw three Sharidan dolls in those months. The first was Bratz the Movie Sharidan, who turned up in a busted box in Wal-Mart's clearance section. She was still super pricey though, at around $30 (although she was originally around $80). I was intrigued by this very out of date doll who just so happened to still be kicking it in this Wal-Mart. Based on my calculations, she was probably one of the first Bratz dolls ever stocked at this location, since our local Wal-Mart opened in 2007. When Dad found Colleen and I ogling Sharidan in the clearance aisle, he offered to buy her for me. But I politely declined--I felt too guilty spending that kind of cash for a single Bratz doll. So naturally I was over the moon when I found out MGA was reissuing her in a set with a unicorn. Dad made a special trek out to Big Lots just for Glowing Unicorn Sharidan. Sure she didn't have that fabulous glitter gown, but instead she was equipped with a rainbow haired unicorn. Some months later, I found another out of date Sharidan at Toys 'R' Us--only this time it was the Forever Diamondz gal. By that point in early 2012, Dad was hospitalized. He had insisted we got out and have some fun instead of visiting him all day. So Colleen and I drove out to Toys 'R' Us to see if they still had any Sorrel/Keelin packs. Not only did we find the twins, but also Sharidan, in another beat up box...she was just $7! Despite all this luck with Sharidan, I couldn't help but still fancy the overpriced Bratz the Movie gal. But she disappeared not long after, so I assumed she had sold. Dad passed away that May, and with the loss, I found myself turning more to my Bratz collection for comfort and reassurance. Two years almost exactly to the day, I was reunited with that EXACT Bratz the Movie Sharidan. She was once again stuffed in a clearance section, but this time at the front of the store. I know she was not another Sharidan doll that happened to come out of the stock room. No, she was the same doll Dad offered to buy me, still sporting that September 2011 price tag I had printed when scanning her two years before. Maybe it was a weird coincidence, a streak of luck, or Dad's way of letting me know he was still watching over us. But I couldn't leave her behind again, even though she was still $30. Although Dad didn't technically purchase this doll for me, Bratz the Movie Sharidan is still what I consider to be a "Dad doll" and the story of our miraculous reunion makes her all that much more irreplaceable.
The age of the doll or the time in my life in which I acquired them makes no difference. I love all the Bratz pack plus members. There were other countless special ones that Dad purchased me that first year of my dolly resurgence. I couldn't write this post and not mention the Sisterz, Lilani and Kiani. They've become unofficial mascots of my bedroom--watching over all the dolls from the topmost shelf above my bed. I have never forgotten the moment I first discovered of their existence, while cruising online trying to construct a self made Bratz book. There were Bratz SISTERS, with special body molds and a Kid Kore Katie esque vibe?!!! It was my mission during those early days to get my hands on a set, and lo and behold luck was on my side. Both girls turned up fairly complete in the lot we call "Craigslist #1." Dad bought me the 70 plus secondhand Bratz dolls as an early Christmas gift that year. As bizarre and homely as I found the pair, I was obsessed in their sheer novelty, especially since a few weeks prior I had seen a knock off version in a toy store at the mall. I was beyond bummed out when I figured out that those sisters weren't authentic. From that same ginormous lot of dolls, I also acquired more Bratz Twiins, including Tess/Nona and Oriana/Valentina! Having such luck made me crave the rest of the twins sets that were produced, which lead to a very indulgent eBay twins binge some years later. I also couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by nostalgia when Tokyo a Go-Go Tiana turned up in the tub of Bratz that night. I knew there were a few dolls from the line when we first saw the ad on Craigslist, but I was unaware that the playset doll was included. As a kid, I was torn between thinking Tiana was really awesome, and also a bit too much like Jade for my liking. But as a twenty year old, I was enamored by her multicolored, micro braided hairstyle, and that signature anime esque facial screening! There was also the memorable "Bean Fianna" of that same year. I rescued her and Slumber Party Cloe together at a massive outdoor flea market. Tennis Fianna was clad in only a yellow robe, her tennis shoes, and a kidney bean that somehow found its way into her tresses. Sleepover Leah is yet another infamous doll in my collection. I discovered her nude body in a tool box at the local flea market. I just couldn't leave her behind in such a sorry state. Despite her nicotine stained body, her destroyed hair, and that awful odor which stank like Leah had been chain smoking for years, I still loved her. I feel a deep sense of pride and satisfaction when I see her now, slightly less shabby, but considerably more loved/appreciated. There were newer dolls in the stores too that caught my eye. I was fascinated by the Style It! girls in particular, when they turned up in 2011. I was particularly keen for Maci, what with her dark black hair and blue eyes. For my 21st birthday, the first without Dad, my cousin and his now wife surprised me with her and a secondhand Sun-Kissed Summer Dana. They picked Maci since she reminded them of me, what with her plaid jacket and that "Doodles" nickname! For over a year, she was my Peyton doppelganger, Nevaeh's surrogate sister, since they both had black hair and blue eyes. I also was so taken by Style It! Jaylene in 2013, that I had to purchase her, despite being hideously overpriced at Rite Aid. To me, she embodies my mom's spirit, if she were a Bratz doll. She has thick, wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, and a stylish sweater dress (the only thing my mom would wear if she had a Bratz wardrobe). Plus her name began with a "J"--my mom's name was Joy. Although I felt a bit salty towards Raya when the 2015 Bratz debuted, I couldn't help but be tickled by her cheeseburger shoes. Plus, I felt no ill will towards her once I realized that Meygan in fact was coming back, and that Raya had not replaced her!
Each of these dolls, and all the others I could not mention here, have a story. Their stories are unique to each girl, just like they are from their duplicates. While to some people, their only collectible value may lie in how they relate to the Bratz franchise, for me, they are like pages from my scrapbook. Each one represents a time in my life that I can never relive. Whether this was my early days of Bratz collecting, when I started dabbling with Dana, Fiana, and Nevra, or when I found a passion for the twins in later years, or when I just had to get my hands on those one off characters to complete brand new lines in the store...they are all meaningful. The Bratz pack "plus" characters really represent to me what I have found to be the meaning of collecting. To me, how "rare" or desirable a character is does not equate to her worth. Ciara and Diona aren't more special to me than my 10th Anniversary twins who overcrowded store shelves in 2011. Likewise, i Candy Phoebe is no less exciting just because I have three these days. I still feel that same sense of delight when admire their green streaked hair and puckered red lips. I was no less than fully overwhelmed when I finally got my hands on the elusive Babysitterz Lana in 2017, despite the fact that she didn't come with a stitch of her original clothes. I've come to see that whether it's a brand new character like the 2010 girls, or one that "came back" after a single appearance like Raya, they are still all Bratz in my eyes. Although Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, and Jade are the faces of the Bratz brand, it just wouldn't feel the same without all those other characters cluttering up my display and filling my heart with so much joy!
Kings Canyon National Park is an American national park in the southern Sierra Nevada, in Fresno and Tulare Counties, California. Originally established in 1890 as General Grant National Park, the park was greatly expanded and renamed to Kings Canyon National Park on March 4, 1940. The park's namesake, Kings Canyon, is a rugged glacier-carved valley more than a mile (1,600 m) deep. Other natural features include multiple 14,000-foot (4,300 m) peaks, high mountain meadows, swift-flowing rivers, and some of the world's largest stands of giant sequoia trees. Kings Canyon is north of and contiguous with Sequoia National Park, and both parks are jointly administered by the National Park Service as the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The majority of the 461,901-acre (186,925 ha) park, drained by the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River and many smaller streams, is designated wilderness. Tourist facilities are concentrated in two areas: Grant Grove, home to General Grant (the second largest tree in the world, measured by trunk volume) and Cedar Grove, located in the heart of Kings Canyon. Overnight hiking is required to access most of the park's backcountry, or high country, which for much of the year is covered in deep snow. The combined Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail, a backpacking route, traverses the entire length of the park from north to south.
General Grant National Park was initially created to protect a small area of giant sequoias from logging. Although John Muir's visits brought public attention to the huge wilderness area to the east, it took more than fifty years for the rest of Kings Canyon to be designated a national park. Environmental groups, park visitors and many local politicians wanted to see the area preserved; however, development interests wanted to build hydroelectric dams in the canyon. Even after President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the park in 1940, the fight continued until 1965, when the Cedar Grove and Tehipite Valley dam sites were finally annexed into the park.
The cloth at the bottom can be detached from the middle, allowing access to the two other compartments.
Visit Johanna Parker & collect her Halloween treasures at the 8th Annual Halloween Trunk Show in Denver! halloweentrunkshow.com/
Free texture/background for you! I would appreciate a credit link if you choose to include it in your creation :) www.flickr.com/photos/triciabreidenthal/sets/721576085212...
From the night of the accident, this is where I put everything I had in the trunk of my car, in my dad's truck when he arrived on the scene.
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Nikon D7000
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
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