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! |
“Faith, Hope and Gravity” is the spiritual, magical adventure of teenage Liam Kane as he discovers some of the same lessons Merrill Osmond learned as the world-traveling lead singer of the Osmond Brothers. Like Merrill, Liam is often misunderstood as he helps those seeking for purpose in their extraordinary talents. Liam’s visionary abilities gain him international notoriety as “The Prophecy Boy” who swims with dolphins, dreams of a mysterious red door, and champions those who are often misjudged for their uncommon gifts. Surviving kidnapping, near-drowning, and imprisonment leads to the discovery that despite differences, when people respect each other and their wide variety of abilities, the thread of commonality that runs through mankind grows ever stronger. Turn the pages to join in this unforgettable journey.
Merrill Osmond is a world-class entertainer, producer, author, motivational speaker and renowned lead singer of the Osmonds. Merrill and his siblings have produced 47 platinum & gold records and Merrill has written the lyrics for five #1 hit records. Merrill is a co-founder of the Osmond Foundation, which originally produced “The Children’s Miracle Network” Telethon. He has produced presidential inaugural events for both Reagan & Bush. Merrill is excited to release his first novel, Faith, Hope & Gravity.
