Cindy Baldwin was born and raised in Alaska, where she lives to this day. In a simpler time and in a smaller community, she was free to explore the world around her¿her parents knew that the whole community watched out for the children of their town. She was the youngest child of five, with cousins who were as close as siblings, aunts who were like mothers, and teachers who continued in the same positions for twenty years or more; there were many people to look up to for examples, advice, and care.