November is National Adoption Month and I wanted to take time before its over to raise a little awareness about foster care adoption and children in substitute care. I read recently that there are 138 foster children in Travis County who are available for adoption. Did you know that adoption within the Texas foster care system is essentially free? Did you know that those children who are not adopted grow up and leave foster care without a family to come home to? Having placed several children, both babies and teens, into adoptive foster homes I know the difference permanency and a real family can mean to all these children over the long term.

Even if you can’t adopt there are ways to help children in care. The Adoption Coalition of Texas, a worthy organization is looking for Secret Santa’s for foster children in central Texas. If you or your family want to give a child in foster care a better Christmas, email the coalition at ACTSecretSantaATgmail.com to learn about a child’s wish list. Drop off days begin December 7th to 10th. Make a difference in the life of child! Happy Holidays,
Be well,
Laura

Sometimes we get lucky enough to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth. This was true for my family in the summers of 2008 and 2010. Two of these places were the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy and the Cinque Terra, in Northern Italy, pictured above. I took this photo in June 2010 as well as the one below.

Sadly, devastating rain and floods last week in Liguria and the Cinque Terra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) have crushed several towns including Monterosso and Vernazza, two of the five villages in the Cinque Terra. Other areas in the region have also been seriously affected. I have fond memories of a lifetime of our vacations in Monterosso and the family we have there. I cannot imagine how different it must be now.

If you can, please donate to the Italian Red Cross, selecting the Emergency in Tuscany and Liguria. It will help a deserving region and it’s people recover.

Kate Little,

my son’s cousin, who has lived in the area for 22 years, can keep you informed at her blog Little Paradiso on the recovery and spirit of the people in this magical region of Italy. Til next time say a blessing for those who have lost their businesses, homes and loved ones,
Be well,
Laura