I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, then moved to Yakima, WA. in 1990 with my family. A former television Producer and on-camera talent for KFCB Family Christian Broadcasting Network in the Northern California, we took a real lifestyle change to adjust more with being the parents of small children Karen, then 8, and Jaina, then 11. I worked as a Producer for a local TBN Affiliate for awhile, but then went into Real Estate in 1994.
We enjoyed being close to the mountains, close to Seattle but yet in an area with sunshine much like California, and having only a short communte to work!
Our kids were in a wholesome environment, and it seemed like it was a perfect blend with country and city life! During this time I continued to write, and produced a book/program, EXTREME TEEN RESCUE, for the Young Lion's Youth Ministry Program, for people who worked in Youth detention ministry. Ironically enough one of the central locations was located in Yakima, WA., with another six around Seattle, and one near Spokane.
"EXTREME TEEN RESCUE," purchased on-line, became one of the primary guides for this type of work with At-Risk Youth. I still work with this today, and it is a joy to see this faith based program help turn many troubled youth around!
After the tragic Thirtymile fire of July 10, 2001, in which we lost our youngest daughter, Karen Lee FitzPatrick, 18 yrs old--"ANGEL PROMISES...REMEMBERING THE YOUNGEST FIREFIGHTER," was released in 2007, and took about 9 months of writing, and pulling my daughter, Karen Lee's writings together, and remembrances of her by many others, plus a collection of amazing photos, and stories, to create and unusual collection to inspire readers of all ages.
In 2009, I came out with "THE WISH", an illustrated children's book, one of a collection of children's stories I created while my children were small, and I was a student of the Institute of Children's Literature, Redding Ridge, CT. During that time I worked and studied under a number of children's book authors, and Disney writers...it was a really great time. I graduated the courses in 1981.
"THE WISH," is also available on AMAZON. It is a very entertaining story for all ages, about how we all wish and dream...and just when something seems impossible, well maybe it really isn't! This book is illustrated by myself, with handpainted watercolors.
I live in West Yakima, WA with my daughter Jaina, and two male orange tabby kitties, Kirby and Kitter. I have a married daughter who lives in Alamo, CA. California, Yvonne Blackwood Heffel, who is a personal trainer.
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