J.K. Hetfeld was born in The Land of Enchantment (New Mexico). Shortly thereafter, her mother and father moved to her grandfather’s dairy farm in St. George Utah, where she spent her early childhood. At the age of four, her family moved again to Las Vegas, Nevada, where her father took over her grandfather’s riding stables. She grew up on “horses,” and her childhood, as well as young adulthood, could best be described as “Paradise.” 

In addition to studying art, attending ballet school for ten years, and spending every spare minute riding for pleasure, or in a show-horse ring, she was absorbed in her studies in school, philosophy and literature, poem books, cooking and learning to perfect her favorite desserts, taking care of her pets, which included four horses, numerous bantam chickens, a rabbit, a hamster, two dogs and a kitty.

J.K. had an unquenchable love for life in general, along with unending love for her family and friends. There are more details about J.K.’s life in her first book in the Flowers of Illumination Trilogy, entitled: The Cactus Flower. 

The uncontrollable events described in her first book, colored her early adulthood, permanently altered her life’s trajectory, her socio-economic status, and her entire life, in general. In essence, “Paradise,” turned to – “Paradise Lost.”

The Flowers of Illumination Trilogy is a testament to the power of the human spirit. It is through this level of faith that one ensures they will not remain in darkness. [See: 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV.]