I'm Back and Ximena says hello!

Yes, The Doll Cafe Blog returns, actually we didn't go anywhere! Most of the activity here has taken place on several different platforms lately. Of course you can always participate at our super fun and informative Forum. For those of you on Facebook, I post there nearly every day, either some Barbie news stories or pictures of my fave dolls. Please join us there! For quick updates, news and stories, our Twitter page is also updated nearly every day! Be sure to follow us on Twitter since we will be live tweeting from the Barbie Convention once again! With less than a month until the National Barbie Doll Convention, you will not want to miss out on the fun!

We have been working quite a bit to update our Gallery. If you have not been there lately, please check it out. Most of our pictures are by members of the forum. They are amazing works of art. Please be sure to register and post comments and vote to make your favorite picture the most popular! On that note, today's featured photo is by forum member souverignofsilence. She is a beautiful Teresa doll named Ximena. Aren't the colors brilliant? If you like this pic see more here!

Thanks for your support and check back for more regular posts!

So Many Memories

One of the things that so many doll collectors share are the memories that a special doll brings. The 1969 TNT Barbie 1160 is one of those dolls for me.

Once I started collecting dolls again I always kept the special memories I had of my childhood dolls very close. This TNT Barbie was one of my first dolls. I always remember having this doll and taking her everywhere. I mean everywhere. She was really my best friend. She even travelled with me to South America when I was eight years old. She brought me a lot of comfort!

I recently obtained this doll again. I had seen many of her in doll shows and even on ebay but I could never find one with the right look. It's hard to find one with perfect hair. Actually, that doesn't really matter to me. I just can't tell you the feeling I had when I first held her. She was a little dirty and even smelled a tiny bit of mildew. That's ok. I gently washed her hair, her arms and legs and even her swimsuit. I made her mine again. It's like we were never apart. I am holding those memories close at this time. I have a lot more friends now and so many more memories, but they will never replace the thoughts and emotions of my childhood "best friend."