A Wondrous Evening at the Aquarium Celebrating our Heroes!

It was a rare privilege to meet several of our wounded heroes who will be receiving homes and hear their incredible stories. I was totally mesmerized by what they had to say. Seeing their families and loved ones was so touching. One never imagines just how great the sacrifices are that these young men and women are making to preserve peace and democracy in the world. No matter how severe their injuries are, they are ready to serve again. Though having been previously wounded, Sergeant Marty Gonzalez told his parents a white lie that he was called up again and signed on for yet another tour. He has had 9+ surgeries to fix a second set of injuries. That was the commitment that I witnessed last evening.

Then, the very poignant Sergeant Rick Yarosh who was burned over 70% of his body told us how he had wanted to die and didn’t think he could face the world. It was his two friends, who he called angels who had lost their lives, that came back and talked to him giving him the courage to move forward. Would you believe this hero, Rick Yarosh has had over 110 surgeries.

Their stories are miracles where these heroes have battled-back from near fatal injuries and endure so much on their road to recovery. SPC Jack Zimmerman, who used to play football, basketball, hunt, train dogs, joined the military because it was something he always wanted to do. It was part of his family’s tradition. He stepped on an IED in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. He is a bilateral above the amputee. To meet he and his wife Megan you’d never imagine what he has gone through and how he looks forward to resuming a normal life. His best pal, SGT Jack Williams is another example of someone who has suffered horrific injuries being the first to step on an IED and not one of the other soldier under his leadership. I smile when he says, “I can do almost anything on my own, except shower.” Think about it the next time you take a shower.

Another fantastic couple, SGT Brian Mast and his wife Brianna, who have a seventeen month old son and are expecting their second child in April, is a bilateral above the knee amputee but you would never know it by talking to him. He will be getting a home in West Palm Beach where he remember fun times with his family and looks forward to a bright future

These are the moments in our lives that make us appreciate what is really important and the homes they will be receiving will mean so much.

Have a great day and stay patriotic!

XOXO,

Carolyn

Art of Fashion, IKONIC, and Blue Cure!

Ron Paul Supporter Being Tacky!

Dear Friends,

It's really distressful that a supporter of Ron Paul's would be so desperate as to publish such a slanderous article in the Austin Chronicle about Governor Rick Perry. Maybe, that supporter felt the competition was too hot for his candidate. Ron Paul should denounce a supporter who took the low road and chose not to focus on the important issues that face us in these challenging times. Infighting within a party does only harm to all the candidates. This is what certain factions within the party are hoping to attain. It seems as though there are those who have ulterior motives and seek personal gain. They, selfishly, are missing the big picture of what and who America needs.

A Patriot,

Carolyn Farb

Lucas is Finally Coming to America!!

A New Book About An Adorable Dog Named Lucas

In Carolyn Farb’s home, everything below doorknob-height belongs to Lucas

HOUSTON – In her latest book Lucas Comes to America (published by AuthorHouse), to be released July 1, 2011, Houston author and philanthropist Carolyn Farb reveals one of her most personal friendships: her pet Lucas terrier named Lucas. When the media is overflowing with sad stories of animal cruelty, Lucas Comes to America offers a refreshingly insightful portrait of a purpose driven woman with her best canine pal.

Caroline is very involved in a number of projects to help others—in education, the arts, the medical field, preservation, and of course, animal rights that look after my constituency. There are many interesting people who visit us on different occasions. She’s gracious about opening our home.

When Caroline’s friends come over, most of them are happy to see me. I’ve had an unfavorable vibe only a couple of times, and I felt it in an instant. You might say the hairs on my back literally stood up. I really frightened those individuals with my growls and posturing. The only other time I go into a defense mode is when Mom and I are watching a show and I hear a dog barking on the television. They sound as though they’re right there in the bedroom with us!

Readers of all ages enjoy being invited into Lucas’ world: his daily routine, his favorite foods, and a delightful courtship with a neighboring Lucas terrier and the beginning of his own family. Written in Lucas’ voice, Lucas Comes to America displays the relationship of a beloved pet and his caregiver.

About the Author

Carolyn Farb is a native Houstonian who attended the University of Oklahoma and in 2003 received an honorary doctorate in humanities from Northwood University. She is the mother of one son, Jake Kenyon Shulman, who passed away in 2004. Houston’s premier fundraiser and event creator, Farb is a passionate art collector and is supported by her best canine companions: Lucas, a fearless and energetic Lucas terrier, and his exuberant pup, Maximillian.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing provider, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industry’s only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. For more information, visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

Mardi Gras in May

Justice for Children Gala at the Hotel ZaZa

“Always Hope! An Evening to Remember” Sets Records

Bravo to Chairs Lee and Laura Slataper

Honorees

2011 Justice for Children Media Award - Terri Langford

Harvey Houck, Jr. Award - Carolyn Farb

There were beads galore, a fabulous Silent Auction, exciting Big Board manned by Judge Eric Andell and Kelli Stoner, great program and the sounds of Sparky’s Jazz Express to dance the night away.

Hotel ZaZa’s Kleibert Estrada and Chef Todd Ruiz created the perfect venue and menu – tomato bisque in croute, filet mignon with red wine demi glace, and the feast of resistance salty caramel cheesecake with raspberry coulis. If that wasn’t enough, there were mini red velvet cupcakes to go.

Justice for Children (JFC) is a leading national, non-profit child advocacy organization that pursues the safety and protection of criminally abused children when the system designed to protect them fails to do so, leaving the child at unacceptable risk. Justice for Children receives over 5,000 phone calls a year nationwide asking for help and assistance.

To lend your support, visit the website: www.justiceforchildren.org or contact Steven G. Lightfoot, Executive Director, at slightfoot@justiceforchildren.org or phone 713-225-4357.

Sharon Kopriva and Angelbert Metoyer Exhibition Opening

    

                                Sharon Kopriva                             Angelbert Metoyer

Do you want to hear about my day job and secret passion for installing art? You might say I'm artful, and if it's arty - I'm in!


What a fabulous Colton & Farb Gallery opening on May 14th with over 500 people in attendance. The Gallery was packed with many fans - new and previous collectors of both Sharon Kopriva and Angelbert Metoyer. There is a sea of red dots! Not to worry… we have more art to share. The exhibit will be up until June 25^th. Please venture in – Gallery hours are 10 - 5:30 Tuesday thru Saturday. We look forward to seeing you!

Faces in the Crowd...

Becoming Kinky... Video

Alan Ames of Texas Roadhouse Live put together pieces from the World Premiere of Ted Swindley's Becoming Kinky... The World According to Kinky Friedman. Take a look!

Becoming Kinky draws heavily from Kinky's bulging cache of songs, books and funny one-liners, and takes the audience straight to the heart of the person behind the humor, the music and the often very deep thoughts.  This play introduces newcomers to a world of outrageous satire and Texas wisdom, and gives seasoned Kinky Friedman fans a healthy dose of what made them fans in the first place. - Kent Perkins

There's only one Kinky Friedman.  He's unique, so explaining him is impossible in a sentence or two; the play does a much better job.  If you like Kinky, you'll love Becoming Kinky.  If you're not yet a Kinky Friedman fan, see this play and discover why he's become Governor of the Heart of Texas.-Ruth Buzzi

Portraying Kinky Friedman onstage in this play is beyond anything I could imagine....he's a national treasure  -Jesse Dayton

To answer the question, "Why are you Texans so damn proud?"  You need to see Becoming Kinky, then maybe Ya'll will understand. -Artist Omar Perez

Becoming Kinky...captured the sharp wit, caustic sense of humor, tender heart and soul of the Kinkster......it's a great show! -Bunny Radoff

Encore Performances of Becoming Kinky... Begin April 28th Through May 1st

 

 Ross Bautsch (Kinky 1), Kinky Friedman, Little Jewford, Alan Lee (Kinky 3)

What a fabulous run of Becoming Kinky... The World According to Kinky Friedman at the Mucky Duck. Encore Performances began April 28th and ran through May 1st.

Plans are underway to take the show to Marfa, Santa Barbara, New York... the world! Jesse Dayton is working on an album of Kinky's great music with some really fine musicians. I'll keep you posted. Enjoy some of the fun.

 Jesse Dayton as Musician Kinky

 Alan Lee as Politician/Mystery Novel Writer

 Jesse Dayton, Ross Bautsch, Alan Lee

 Ross Bautsch

 Alan Lee, Jesse Dayton, Ross Bautsch

Artist Patrick Medrano and the real Kinky Friedman

 Chelsea Lane and Photographer Jay Rusovich

 Janie and Dick DeGuerin

 Mike and Gayle DeGuerin

Artist Shelley Shanks and Friend

 Kenneth Beaman

 Dr. Tommy Lomonte and Myself

 Ross Bautsch, Kinky Friedman, Alan Lee

Jesse's Better Half

 

 Ross Bautsch, Paige Newman, Alan Lee

Channel 11's Deborah Duncan and Kimberly Delape

 Little Jewford and Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman

Some fabulous men just celebrated their Aquarian birthdays- Dick DeGuerin and Mike Plank- and did it in Western style! They are like fine wine- grow better with age.

Mike’s was at the Firehouse- the stomping ground for Billy Joe Shaver. His fabulous wife Susan brought in Mark Chesnutt and the most fabulous BBQ that Richard Flowers said a fireman in a nearby city prepared. There was the always popular, but inevitable mechanical bull. Since I have a torn ACL I thought it best not try to it.

As for Dick, Janie asked for Dick’s favorite- Billy Joe Shaver. He sang a duet with his sure to be a star seven-year-old grandson. I didn’t know Dick could sing that country music the way he did. Billy Joe even wrote a song about his Waco travails.

Legendary pals like Racehorse Haynes attempted to roast- it’s hard to get the best of Dick.

Both of my friends have beautiful families and there was lots of love and friendship in the air. 

Chili Cook Offs are happening soon. It’s a great time to get your Western  going. Pinto Ranch has some wonderful offerings. 

Birthday Bash

The dilemma- to celebrate or not one’s birthday. At first, I thought well, I’ll just spend it with Lucas and Max, my Father and Son Lucas Terriers. Then at the urging of friends, I got into gear. It was Monday and the birthday was Tuesday.

So I called Tony’s and found that their Wine Celler miraculously was available. It was the perfect size room, not too big and not too small. I made a list- I actually wished I could have had more of my friends, but then it would have grown too large. What I really wanted was a small intimate evening with good friends, stimulating conversation, a menu to comfort paired with fine wines- and that’s what we had! How does French fries and cocktails, a salad that I deem to be my own, short ribs, mac and cheese, and the most divine praline cheesecake sound? It was very nostalgic because there were old friends, new ones, and memories.

http://www.culturemap.com/newsdetail/02-11-11-city-slickers-ride-the-bull-for-a-50th-bday-bash-carpenter-hunk-carter-oosterhouse-munches-at-hugos/

A Sight to Behold- Worse Than Texting

While driving down Westheimer with a friend, we witnessed the “latest not to do” in the car- especially while driving! (At least she was stopped at a light.) A woman was heavily engaged in scrubbing her teeth and swishing the saliva and paste about with her Starbucks coffee! Just imagine the next sequence. She didn’t look to the left or the right. Starbucks- to some is the end all coffee fantasy- but this was too much. I’m not sure even her dentist would approve!

A Bit of Sharing

Last night, the Studio Group from the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston rocked at a Mixing the Medium exhibit and event at the Colton & Farb Gallery. Fortunately, no one listened to the weather reports. There was a crowd of close to 300 impassioned collectors sipping Hudson Ferus Vodka and Saint Arnolds to the sound of DJ “The Dakota.” The exhibit was curated by Philip Berry and Philip Beck.

Artists included were Paul Horn, Angelbert Metoyer, Roberto del Rio, Michael Meazell, Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano- Mary Ann Strandell’s work was exhibited, but she was unable to attend. What a great mix of art to feast the eyes upon! Other gallery artists present were - David Graeve, Rania Daniel, Sharon Kopriva, and Alfredo Scaroina. Faces in the crowd- Jo and Jim Furr, Artists Nancy Kienholz and Dan Allison, Juanita King and Ewing King, Susan and Art Seifert, Rowena and Buddy Steves, Poppi Massey, Craig Massey, Alice and Frank McWilliams, Terri and Gordon Goodman, and so many more.

The exhibit will up through March 5^th and we invite you to stop by on Saturday from 10- 5:30 pm at 2445 North Boulevard.

 

This was supposed to be my getaway weekend to Los Angeles. At a Neurofibromatosis event at the Junior League, here in Houston, I bid on this fabulous package to travel to LA and spend Valentine’s Day at the Ellen DeGeneres Show taping and have a fabulous VIP Warner Brothers Lot Tour. Mea culpa, something came up- and I had to change my plans. Not to worry. Now, I don’t have to miss the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater perform at the Hobby Center. Their performances are so special! I’ve been a fan of Dominic Walsh since he was a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet.

We are so fortunate to have so many talented individuals living, working, and staying in this city. I urge everyone to take advantage of the opportunities we are afforded here- some of the best are free.

Lucas Comes to America

 

Be on the lookout for which Lucas hopes will become a classic children’s book. It's his book- Lucas Comes to America lovingly translated by me, Carolyn Farb. You’ll follow Lucas and his adventures from his birth at a farmhouse in Manchester, England to the great state of Texas. Our publisher AuthorHouse says our book should roll out soon. We hope you will enjoy the read. Look for us at local bookstores and on Amazon.

Right now, Lucas and I are trying to decide where to donate our proceeds from our book sales- because we really care about those who can’t care for themselves. Check out the cover and one of Lucas' favorite illustrations as he dances with the dragonflies. Enjoy!