Monday, August 29, 2011

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

Friday, August 19, 2011

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

Friday, June 24, 2011

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.




Tuesday, May 31, 2011

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 25th. Please venture in – Gallery hours are 10 - 5:30 Tuesday thru Saturday. We look forward to seeing you!

Faces in the Crowd...

Friday, May 13, 2011

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