Author: David Earle Steward

With his 80th birthday coming in March 2009, David is going strong and looking forward to writing more "powerful and informative" books about the things that make our lives... really worth living.

David's attitude is that... "Birthdays are only numerical reminders of how many years I have lived healthy, so that I may enjoy that many more years to come." ... And "Life begins, when one decides".

(David) Earl S. Steward was born in 1929 in Nashville, Georgia and grew up "Southern and Happy". He counts among his most important early influences: Parents who loved him and taught him the close relationship between all living things...especially humans and animals; the Public Library and an early fascination for Thornton Waldo Burgess Nature books; and the 'huge magnificent world' ... contained in the surrounding farms, fields and woods.

Joining the U.S. Air Force in 1948, and then a "Pentecostal type" church in 1951... the Church influence 'took' for over 30 years'. Then in 1971 he established the Church of God, New Testament Judaism with Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, and for over 30 years officiated in the church's highest position and title ...Office of The Chief Bishop.
 
With the conclusion of that influence, and... then for another good run at life...In 1996, David moved from Los Angeles to Palm Springs CA., with his beautiful "teacup poodle"... Gracie.
 
Right away, Gracie got busy collecting an array of Awards and gifts . Known for her visits to Hospitals and Assisted Living; participating in all the local Parades; A Certificate of Congressional Recognition; The Pets On Parade... Canine Ambassador Award; TV Star ; A 25 ct. semi-precious stone filled 14 kt gold necklace, for her good deeds... She had become so well known in so many places, for her personality, her amazing intelligence and cuteness, and an all around, "one of a kind"... a book was inevitable.

Having no formal experience in writing, "nor any real inclination to take the time to do so", yet in 2000, at the age of 71, David began writing an "Ann Landers type" weekly column for pets, in The Desert Daily Guide, called "Ask Gracie".  It had distribution in 12 different States and Gracie gained sort of "a cult following".  He wrote 52 articles.

David says of that time, "I was also jotting down a few notes about my own past experiences." These 'few' autobiographical notes however would finally culminate into  the 725 pages of his first book, "Christ, For A Day" (published by AuthorHouse in 2006). That did it. Writing was now an important part of David's life.

Sadly, Gracie passed away in May of 2002.

For David, as you can imagine, an undertaking to capture her life "in Memoriam" on paper, became a"bitter and yet sweet, labor of love". With over 72 pages and 170 picture images, he has endeavored (and many say quite successfully) to do just that.

David was compelled to write this..

  "Gracie was an experience...mystical, magical, and unforgettable. To fully express
         her loving effect on me, and so many others...even with all the words written here
               and with all the memories vividly recalled...best said, I who was considered
                      a messenger of love, again became a pupil...and therefore learned even
                            more...how to love...and to be loved. Perhaps my fondest wish... 
                               ... is that you will too."

This book will make you "love your pets even more', and perhaps, 'hug them a little more often than usual', and hopefully, encourage you to help in every way to stop the abuses and injustices toward the so many others... who desperately need our help.


                 ...Please...Spay or Neuter your pets...when necessary.


     And please... seriously consider adopting a Rescued Animal as your next pet and companion... David
     

                                             Watch for David's next Book:

                           "Among the Stars, with My Amazing Gracie"