May 18, 2007

Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor wants to buy a Boeing 737 Business Jet

By Sally Blanton

This two time breast cancer survivor immerses herself, and her clients, in beauty. Being a fine jewel designer, interior decorator, and owner of an art gallery, Carol is always surrounded by things she loves.
She just began designing and selling stunning jewelry to fine stores in 2005. She discovers beads and artifacts from Mali to Hong Kong. "My necklaces evoke distant places and countless stories. They are a thousand years in the making."
Carol has wanderlust in her blood and has even traveled to Antarctica. She believes Wales and Mali to be the most beautiful places she has visited.
As an advocate and contributor to the Breast Treatment Task Force, money from her sales are regular donations. As a bonus in her recovery she enjoys her grandchildren, twins.
Throughout her life there are themes of simplicity, beauty, art and jewelry.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Right here in Dallas; University Park.

What is something interesting about your birthplace or hometown?
I have friends I went to kindergarten with & we are still good friends.

What were some fun times you recall with your parents?
Summers on the Texas Coast. I learned to appreciate the power & beauty of the ocean.

Tell a vivid memory of college life.
I'm a firm believer in don't ask don't tell.

What are some cities or towns you have lived in?
New York. Interestingly, while I was living in New York City, the Puerto Rican National Liberation Army was protesting by placing small bombs everywhere...The New York Public Library. Banks and fountains around town were favorite targets.

First job? Worst job?
The worst job I ever had would have to be when I worked for three days as a sketch model. It sounds fabulous but it so wasn't. I had to wear designer clothes and stand completely still. I was literally bored stiff.

What do you love about your job today?
The travel & the creativity of putting the pieces together.

What has been a real struggle from you?
I have Dyslexia & can't spell a thing!!!

What has been your proudest moment?
Becoming a grandparent to twins.

What do you know for sure?
That I do not know anything for sure.

What are ten things you are crazy about?
My family. My friends, dogs, London, Spicy food, Laughter, travel, the ocean, The Hudson River Valley, Goff's Hamburgers.

Who or what makes you laugh the loudest?
Too many things to list But the variety of off limits things my dog, Lulu, eats.

What is your wildest dream?
To fly like a bird...the way you can in dreams.

Do you have a "guilty pleasure"?
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

What are some inventions we take for granted?
It is not an invention but I am always amazed by electricity.

Who are some favorite performers?
Yo Yo Ma, Annie Lennox, Dwight Yocum, Albert Collins

What was your favorite concert so far?
This goes back to 1969 - Angus Wynne's The Texas Pop Festival hands down - The best!!!!!!!!

How many tunes are on your iPod?
Hundreds

Who are some favorite authors?
Ernest Hemingway, Edith Wharton, Norman Mailer, Peter Matthiessen, Ann Patchett, and, of course, Larry McMurtry.

What are some movies you could watch over and over?
Lawrence of Arabia, Tombstone, Goodfellas, Get Shorty, I just love those, but if I could only have one movie, it would be Lawrence of Arabia.

What are some websites you visit regularly?
Google, Amazon, Wikipedia, & Ask

Describe a perfect Sunday afternoon.
Reading a good book

Do you have some favorite Dallas restaurants?
Stephen Pyles is my favorite. I love to take people from out of town - they are always amazed at the food & décor. I could eat there every night.

What are some beautiful places you hav seen in this world?
I love the back roads of Wales but I was in Mali last Feb and could not believe the beauty of the desert.

What have you seen that was breathtaking?
A Texas sunset is always wonderful & no matter where I am...in Texas when I see one I know I am home.

What do you have way too much of? Or what do you wish you had more of?
I have tons of photographs. I wish I had even more as these are all great memories to me.

What do you splurge on? What purchase was a huge mistake.
Shoes. I'm a Manolo girl. They are never a mistake.

Where do you find the best bargains?
Small antique shops in Buenos Aires

What makes you say "Wow!"?
That first bite of anything with a good spicy Mole Sauce.

What is unfathomable to you?
Cruelty to animals.

What is the worst problem facing our country?
It depends on which news channel you watch.

What do you avoid at all costs?
This will make me sound silly but in all sincerity I avoid crossing the path of a black cat at all costs.

What was an unforgettable event you have attended?
I had lunch in Antarctica after a hike with British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. For me it was a dream come true..The Glaciers are stunning things. It's very sad that we're losing them.

If cost were not an object, what would you buy tomorrow?
A Boeing 737 Business Jet

You are granted one "do-over". What will it be?
If I had a do over, then my life wouldn't be my life and I wouldn't have learned what I've learned.