DEVINE DOINGS-Christine Cam: Wednesday's Child book

DEVINE DOINGS-Christine Cam: Wednesday's Child book: "'Finding a Forever Family: A News Anchor's Notebook' by Christine Devine Available on Amazon.com 'Is this my special day' he asked? H..."

Wednesday's Child book

"Finding a Forever Family: A News Anchor's Notebook" 

by Christine Devine

Available on Amazon.com

"Is this my special day" he asked?

His face face was full of freckles, his eyes were pools of green, his lashes longer than any I'd seen on an eight year old boy.

His name is Bryan and we were there for his Wednesday's Child shoot.  Bryan was in foster care and my job was to help find him a "Forever Family."

Bryan, like all kids in county care, was in foster care through no fault of his own.  He sadly told me his mom "slept alot."  I guessed that meant she was on drugs and out it.  That falls in the category of abuse, abandonment or neglect, the reasons children are in foster care.

Jared

"Is this my special day?"  When Bryan asked that question it came right after I wrote my book "Finding a Forever Family."  It was because of children like Bryan that I wrote the book.  It was for every child ever in foster care.  It was for anyone ever considering adoption.  It was for anyone who has adopted.  It is the real deal.  It is my journey through the Wednesday's Child program on Fox 11 News that has led to more than 500 children finding a permanent place to call home.

Darnell

It was inspired by a boy named Jared, given new energy through a boy named Darnell, and empowered by a girl named Madison.  It tells of the highs and lows, the risks and reality, the hopes and dreams, the fight for a future.  It honors are heroes.  Our social workers, our adoptive parents, our courageous kids willing to tell their story.

Madison & family

On a personal note, it is also my personal story.  It is the story of my own adoption by my step-father, my adopted brother and my foster siblings.  Like any auto-biography it is meant to inspire and empower.  I thank every parent who participated and despite any traumas and dramas continue to mentor and adopt.








And now back to Bryan.  His special day meant a VIP day with one of LA's sporting teams.  It meant a profile on Fox 11.  It meant an all out effort for find him a Forever Family.  While my book has been out since March, Bryan is a reminder that our effort isn't over.  He is matched with an adoptive family.  Stay tuned for adoption day!

"Finding a Forever Family: A News Anchor's Notebook" 

by Christine Devine

Available on Amazon.com

DEVINE DOINGS-Christine Cam: Christine's Carnaval!!!

DEVINE DOINGS-Christine Cam: Christine's Carnaval!!!: "As Carnaval nears... my mind turns to fanstasy. I envision all that it is! Here's a taste of my heritage!

Christine's Carnaval!!!

As Carnaval nears... my mind turns to fanstasy.  

I envision all that it is!  

Carnaval means crazy crowds, the sexy samba, the colorful costumes, the beat of the bateria(drum corps), the all day dancing, the all night party.... my beautiful Brazilians! 

I envision the side of my heritage I do not know. 

Born to an anglo American and mixed race Brazilian I carry the genes of both, but wear the look of the father I've never met.  The long gangly arms, the dark brown skin, the naturally curly hair... and if I do say so myself... the gift of dance.  

Raised by my mother, and having never met my father, I'm left to live the Brazil of my dreams.

Mom on cover of Peace Corps magazine w/Brazilian child

I've sought answers to my questions in the Brazil of L.A.  While there is little influence in the City of Angeles you can find the flavor in the foods of representative restaurants.  Here are a few for you to taste and try... AND lastlly, you'll find info on this Saturday's local Carnaval parties!

LUNCH!!!

Fan of the food truck?  Keep your eye out for Ta Bom(It's Good, in Portuguese).

Find Ta Bom on Twitter, or look for the green food truck.

There's a salad named The Giselle and I guessed it might be named after the Brazilian supermodel of like name.   I turn to Ta Bom for a quick Coxhina fix.  Coxhina is a popular street food.  A fried chicken croquette.  YUM!  Nothin' like it!


Want a sit down bite to eat that won't break the wallet?  Check out Cafe Brasil.  While I'm a fan of their chiicken and Talapia it is hard to tell it is a foreign dish, despite the Brazilian spices.  If you want a true taste of home order the Feijoada, a Brazilian national dish(a stew of sorts, black beans and meat or sausage).  Mom made it when I was a kid.  Wash it down with Brazilian soda, Guarana.  For dessert: Brigadeiro.... a delicious brazilian bonbon that is made with only three ingredients and tastes like an amazing, melt-in-your-mouth truffle. http://www.cafe-brasil.com/


DINNER!!
Brazil, Beverly Hills style... and budget?  Fogo de Chao is a must!  As is a reservation on a Saturday night.  Here you'll find the most fabulous salad bar and Brazilian churrascaria steakhouse.  It is the gaucho way of grilling meat.  Waiters walk around with gigantic skewers of steak, pork, chicken.  15 different styles of ever so inviting skewers.  You mouth waters as each waiter walks by.  You're sure to leave extremly full and you wallet a little lighter.  Still, if you've never been to a brazilian churrascaria
 http://www.fogodechao/

 http://bostonglobe.longjaunt.com/blog/2008/02/28/eating-like-kings-at-a-churrascaria

DRINKS ANYONE???


Wikipedia:  Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça sugar and lime. Cachaça is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage.




DANCING!!! 


Carnaval comes to Los Angeles-Saturday March 5th


www.riobela.com

27th ANNUAL BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL IN LOS ANGELES @ LA FONDA 2501 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA  90057

http://www.braziliannites.com/




Hope you enjoy the sounds and sights of L.A. Brazil!
Bejos,

Christine