Recovery from the Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference

The Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference was a HUGE success!

I made lots of new friends and strengthened existing friendships. Purchased new books for my shelves - which reminds me, I must buy a 4th bookshelf. The other 3 are overflowing. Mind you, these are my shelves filled with books from author friends I personally know. Our other books are all on shelves in the play room.

I digress. Conference = awesome.

Recovery = a week of relaxation filled with day time naps and new books to read.

I've been too tired to cook, so the crock pot is once again my best friend. Today I put together a stew. One of my Facebook friends requested the recipe, so here it is:

Sweet Potato & Beef Stew

1 lb beef stew meat
1 can 14 1/2 oz beef broth
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2" pieces
1 lg onion, chopped
2 slices of bacon, diced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 TB cornstarch
2 TB water

1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add beef, broth, sweet potatoes, onion, bacon, salt & pepper. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours, or cook on high for 4-5 hours.

2. Transfer beef & veggies to a serving bowl.

3. Turn slow cooker on high. Combine cornstarch & water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the juices in the slow cooker.  Cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring occassionally. Add beff & veggie back into broth. Cover & cook for 15 minutes, until veggies are warmed through.

Makes 4 servings.  *I double this recipe for my family.


And here are a few of my favorite pictures from the conference weekend. You can find more on my Facebook album.

This was my daughter's very first writers conference!

Josi Kilpack, Lisa Mangum, Danyelle Ferguson (me), my daughter, and my awesome hubby John Ferguson.

Heather Justesen, Traci Hunter Abramson, Danyelle Ferguson (me), & Laurie Lewis.

The Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference Committee: Lynn Parsons, Danyelle Ferguson, John Ferguson, Don Carey & Heather Justesen.

Storymakers Midwest Writers Conference 2012!

Karen Hoover - shooting food at my husband. She also taught my daughter how to use a laser to distract presenters.  =)

Danyelle Ferguson, Steve Westover, & Heather Justesen

The conference guys - James Blevins, Steve Westover, Don Carey & John Ferguson. Yes, four guys surrounded by 36 women. But they survived.

Barnes & Noble Authorpalooza Book Signing. It was fabulous!

Would you like to comment?

Josi said...

You did such a great job, it was a privilege to be a part of such a fabulous conference.

John Waverly said...

I agree. The conference turned out awesome. Great job!

Traci Hunter Abramson said...

Okay, so I'm late to the party. At least I was on time to the one in Kansas City! Seriously wonderful conference. You did a fabulous job and I know everyone is already counting down the days to next year. Can't wait!