Meet 2021’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

I’m excited to announce the winner of January’s First Friday Freebie.  Sometimes my Freebies have to take a little journey to arrive at their new home.

This one did do some traveling – all the way to –

Janine in Rochester, New York!

 Congratulations, Janine!  Enjoy your goodies and thank you for subscribing and entering to win.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page hereIf you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Janine entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. 

Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

Coming up:  February’s First Friday Freebie!  That takes place on Friday, February 5th.   You’ll be able to see a photo of the Freebie and enter to win all day that day.  Don’t forget to check your email for the reveal.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, February 5th, 2021.

Preparing to say “Happy Valentine’s Day“ to someone special?  You can keep this Freebie for yourself – or maybe not!    

Wishes and Freebies for a Bright New Year!

It’s 2021!  May I be the first to wish you a Happy New Year!  And a healthy one!  And a normal one! 

The first Friday of the month can sneak up on you if it falls on the first day of the month.  It can really sneak up on you if it also falls on the first day of the year!

Let’s get to the good stuff so you can get on with your New Year’s Day celebrations or, as I prefer to call it, National Jammie Day.  Just leave those warm snugglies on and do whatever you feel like today.  After all, you have 364 more days to be busy and stressed and overloaded.

Just don’t neglect one thing – enter to win January’s First Friday Freebie!

Live Simply Be Grateful Dream Big www.midweststoryteller.com

This 6 ½” X 3” hanging wooden sign is a rustic reminder of what really matters during the months ahead.  After all we’ve seen happen in 2020 (much of which we never thought possible), we truly need to learn to simplify, to be grateful for what we do have and, most of all, to allow ourselves to dream and hope for better days ahead.  Along with the sign, you’ll receive a package of three scented sachets for your home from Lifescapes.  The Sea Salt & Driftwood scent will make your home as fresh as the new year.  I know this is the time when many of us promise ourselves we’ll de-clutter and get reorganized and whether it is drawers, closets or office space, a little scent gives an added boost to our moods and our sense of accomplishment.

To enter to win the sign and sachets, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Happy New Year, Midwest Storyteller!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, January 1st, 2021!

NOTE:  There seems to be a problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue solved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Happy New Year, Midwest Storyteller!”

See the complete freebie rules here.  

Those four steps will take you no time at all!

I know you stayed up too late last night, but don’t let your grogginess keep you from entering right now.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget!  (See note above concerning subscription problems.)

Is the earth spinning faster than it used to?  We’re going to turn around and find out it’s Valentine’s Day and wonder how that happened. 

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear how you’re going to make even the smallest shifts in your life in 2021 to Live Simply.  Be Grateful.  Dream Big.

And Another Winner: Find Out Who Won December’s First Friday Freebie!

December has gone by in a blur around here.  I hear it hasn’t been so for some of you who’ve had pretty much everything cancelled.  I didn’t get in much blogging and writing time due to my small daily companion even though he tried to be such a help with his new skills at grabbing and throwing, paper tearing and high-speed floor cruising.  Evenings and naptimes seemed to be the only slots available for this gal who normally suffers from Martha Stewart/June Cleaver/Mary Poppins/Emily Post-itis to decorate, create, bake, wrap and deliver.  But, hear me loud and clear – I’m not complaining!  This Grandma Life – there’s nothing like it!

I didn’t really know what to ask for this Christmas because I’ve learned from experience that no matter how many times you proclaim that all you want is a nap, you never open a box or bag and find one. 

My First Friday Freebie did, however, find a new home and if you’ve been keeping up with Midwest Storyteller for a while, you may recognize the winner –

Kathy from Prairie Home, Missouri!

 Congratulations, Kathy! I hope you’ve had time to enjoy your gift!

Kathy is such a creative spirit.  She’s been a guest here on the blog to share some of her creations. Hopefully, she’ll reappear here at Midwest Storyteller again in 2021 and show us how to do more creative projects.  If you’d like to take a peek into her talents and see the Freebie she helped me create, click here. Other creative ideas are found on my Create! page.

Kathy received this copy of Glenn Beck’s novel, “The Christmas Sweater”.  I offered this book after reading it myself and giving it five stars.  I recommend it for ages pre-teen and up. 

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out along with my thoughts on the book here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page hereIf you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Kathy entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. 

Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

Coming up:  The First First Friday Freebie of 2021!  That takes place on Friday, January 1st.   I’ll surprise you that morning with a “Happy New Year” and a photo of January’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, January 1st, 2021.

Preparing to say “goodbye” to 2020?  It’s been quite an experience!  Blessings on your life as we enter a bright and happy new year!    

After the Glitch: Meet November’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

In some ways, I have my ducks in a row.  In others, not so much.  Throw a monkey wrench into my well-oiled plans and I’m likely to forget I had any plans at all.  November’s First Friday Freebie was chosen in a timely manner and in the usual way.  And then, emails just didn’t seem to be moving back and forth in their proper cyber-flow and I lost contact with the winner.  By the time this got sorted out and the Freebie got into the hands of the postal service, and the Freebie took it’s cross-country journey, I succumbed to CPO (Christmas Preparation Overload)!  This condition, complicated by my chronic state of GCED (Grandchild Comes Every Day), led me to lose complete track of things.    

Anyhow, let’s meet the winner –

Jean from Hurricane Utah!

Congratulations, Jean!  I’m so glad you entered to win!

Jean received this autographed copy of Diane Yates new novella, “Christmas on the High Seas”.  I’m hoping that COP did not prevent her from enjoying this great read in time to enjoy it during the Christmas season.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer, check it out and enjoy a brief interview with Diane Yates about this Christmas romance here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page here.  If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Jean entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know as I am trying to work out a few bugs with that. 

 Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

Coming up:  December’s winner!  Then, 2021 and another great drawing are just around the corner on Friday, January 1st.   I’ll surprise you that morning with the announcement and photo of January’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, January 1st, 2021.

Preparing to say “goodbye” to 2020?  It’s been quite a year!  Blessings on your life as we enter a bright and happy new year!    

Cozy Up With December’s Freebie!

This month’s First Friday Freebie is one that you’ll really enjoy and I hope you’ll share it with someone else. 

I’d heard about this for years and had put it on my mental list under “Someday When I Have Time, I’m Going to Get This Book Because I’m Curious”.

From what I’d heard, it seemed to be about a boy and a sweater he’d received one Christmas.  As a novel with such a plot, I couldn’t fathom why the author, Glenn Beck, would put out such a book.  There must be some driving purpose, right?  Some political point?  Some analogy to the times in which we live?

Well, there is a driving purpose and it’s not what you think. 

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

It takes a while for things to move to the top of my slush pile and when I tell you that this book came out in 2008 and that I just read it a few months ago, you get the idea.  I discovered the purpose of the book at last and I believe that Glenn’s intent was to tell his own story in a unique, entertaining and heartfelt way and, most importantly, to heal your soul.

The copy I am sharing with you today is in large print, making it easy to read for you, young readers or anyone else who needs that feature. 

Yes, it is about a boy and a sweater he received one Christmas just as he entered his trying teen years.  It’s about his loss, his heaving emotions, his relationships with his parents, grandparents and everyone else.  As I read it, I found myself wanting all boys and girls in this stage of life to read it and find that they are not alone and that God cares.  You’ll fly through the pages and won’t be able to put it down. Glenn gets an A+ rating from me on “keeping it clean”.

To enter to win this copy of “The Christmas Sweater”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, December 4th, 2020!

NOTE:  There seems to be a problem here on the blog with people trying to subscribe and not receiving their confirmation email.  If this has happened to you, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com and let me know so that I can report all these instances and have the issue solved.

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the drop-down menu on your device to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me The Christmas Sweater!”

Be sure to read the complete Freebie Rules here.

Those four steps will take you no time at all!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget!  (See note above concerning subscription problems.)

Christmas will be here before you know it!  My apologies for moving straight from “Freebie-to-Freebie” this month.  There has been much to distract me as you will see in upcoming posts.

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  If you’ve by chance already read “The Christmas Sweater”, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!

Sail Into the Season with This Freebie!

This month’s First Friday Freebie is so much fun!  I’ve been excited to let the cat out of the bag on this one.

If you’ve been keeping up with things for a while here at Midwest Storyteller, you’ll remember that I treated you to An Interview with Author Diane Yates.  Diane provided a copy of her first book, “Pathways of the Heart” as a First Friday Freebie.  Later, I offered another great freebie from Diane – her second book, “All That Matters”. 

Well, it’s been a little difficult to keep up with Diane!  She’s been turning out more great reads.  Her first two books, written in novel form, contained the true story of her mother’s life, a tale of a spunky woman whose difficult journey eventually brought her to the understanding of what really matters.  Diane then moved on to Christian romance and brought us “Melissa’s Fate” and the sequel, “Impossible Fate”.  The first book in this series brought Diane requests for the second and I can understand why.  What a story!

Now, just for fun, Diane Yates brings us “Christmas on the High Seas” and I thank her so much for offering it to you as this month’s First Friday Freebie.

Let’s see what Diane has to say about her latest endeavor.  Then, I’ll tell you exactly how to enter to win.

Storyteller:  How did you like writing your first Christmas romance?

Diane Yates:  It was truly a lot of fun! I thought it would be difficult because I had to write it in the middle of summer, but music has always been inspirational in my writing and I could literally listen to Christmas carols all year round. Since it was a Christmas in the Caribbean, I had Alexa playing everything from Jimmy Buffet’s Christmas Island album, to Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters!

Storyteller:  So, tell me about the main character in Christmas on the High Seas.

Diane Yates:  Her name is Halley Simpson. She works in advertising in New York City, but her life has not always been ideal. When she and her younger sister, Kaleigh, were little, their parents were killed in an auto accident. They were both raised by their grandmother. When Halley was thirteen, a popular boy, Devon Copeland, called her chubby and with the help of his friends, set about tormenting her all through high school. College was a much better experience for her. With her long blonde hair and slender body, she never had to give Devon Copeland another thought.

Storyteller:  How does Halley end up on the High Seas Cruise Ship for Christmas, sharing a room with none other than Devon Copeland?

Diane Yates:  Halley and her sister, Kaleigh, originally booked a Christmas cruise a year ago. Since that time, Kaleigh married and sold her ticket to her friend, Candace. Halley boards the ship expecting to share a room with her sister’s friend, but when she opens the door to her state room, she finds Devon as Candace has sold her ticket to him.

Storyteller:  How awkward is this for Halley?

Diane Yates:  First, it meant that she had to relive some painful memories and come to realize she still harbored anger and hatred, yet her beloved Nana had taught her to love her enemies. Not only does Halley have to sleep in the same room, but she will have to eat at the same table every evening and attend the same onshore excursions with him.

Storyteller:  What is remarkable about this particular Christmas story?

Diane Yates:  There are fun experiences from jet skiing and scuba diving to dancing in the sand under the stars. From Key West to Cozumel, Nassau to Christmas Island, this cruise is one exciting adventure.

Storyteller:  How does Halley deal with her high school enemy?

Diane Yates:  The big thing for Halley is she is experiencing the adventure of a lifetime yet her memories will be forever tainted with the presence of her high school enemy. Devon mentions that people can change, but she doesn’t believe it for a minute. She has hung on to her hatred for so long.

Storyteller:  When all is said and done, what next?

Diane Yates:  The big take away from this story is “never judge a book by its cover!” (Pun intended!) No, everyday Halley judged Devon by his past mistakes, but on this cruise, enmity meets forgiveness and hate falls for love.

Storyteller:  What is next for you as an author?

Diane Yates:  I will be completing the third book of the Fate Series, which is the Drake Family Saga. In the first book, Melissa’s Fate, Beth reappears with shocking news. Phil Drake will never forgive her, but he’ll do anything to save the little girl he didn’t know existed. In book two, Impossible Fate, Melissa and David Drake grow up. At a young age, David falls in love with Aliyah Zimmerman, but she’s Jewish and he’s Christian. Her parents equate Christians with Hitler because Hitler claimed to be Christian. Her parents forbid her to even be with David. She is expected to marry a nice Jewish boy, but David trusts God to provide a way. The title of the third book is still being determined, but my vote goes for “Love’s Fate.” It is in this story that Love itself will be at risk for some of the Fate characters you hold dear and beyond. I’ll be releasing more information about this story in the upcoming weeks.

Storyteller:  Do you have anything more you’d like to share?

Diane Yates:  Yes. As always, I remain so very thankful for my readers. Without you, my stories stop! When you take time to read my books, share a review or rating on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, etc., and follow me on those sites, you participate in promoting my career. I am humbled by your faith in my writing.

Storyteller:  Thanks so much, Diane, for giving us such exciting previews.

You’ll find that “Christmas on the High Seas” is a quick read for all of us who are so busy this time of year, so even if you’re not the winner, be sure to grab a copy for yourself and some for stocking stuffers!

Christmas on the High Seas is published by Forget Me Not Romances, an imprint of Winged Publications. The book is available at www.DianeYates.com and Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-High-Seas-Diane-Yates-ebook/dp/B08H8M4QJW.   Or, you can click on any of the links in this post to access Diane’s books and more information about them. Diane is represented by Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency.

To enter to win “Christmas on the High Seas”, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Bring me some Christmas romance!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, November 6th, 2020!

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so hop on over to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “Send me some Christmas romance!”

Click here to see the complete rules. 

Four simple steps!

Don’t let the day slip away!  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Can you believe it?  Then, we “sail” straight into Christmas!  This Freebie will put you in the mood.

Comments or questions?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment telling me what good books you’ve read lately.  I’m curious – what is your favorite book of all time?

Meet October’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

I almost didn’t get this announcement out while it’s still October!  The First Friday Freebie found its new home weeks ago, but in case you haven’t heard, I keep my grandbaby every day and am in the middle of the world’s longest kitchen remodel.  I’m just a wee teeny bit distracted. 

Meet the winner –

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri

Congratulations, Ruby!  I know you enter often and that it has paid off.  You’re not a first-time winner.

Ruby won this fall set of two kitchen towels from Fabulous Home’s Fall Harvest Collection.  Measuring 15” X 25”, they are of generous size.  One boasts a plaid of burgundy and gold while the coordinating towel has word art just right for the season. For an extra touch of fall color, you can display (either hanging or sitting) this 5” X 5” metal sign by Dayspring that lovingly lists “Ten Things God Wants You to Remember”.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer and have a better look at the items Ruby won, click here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page hereIf you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Ruby entered her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  And that, dear friends, is just as free as the freebie!  Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

I’m excited about November’s drawing which will take place next Friday on November 6th.   I’ll surprise you that morning with the announcement and photo of November’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, November 6th, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it.  Did you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself?    

You’ll Fall for This Freebie!

When I think of this time of year, what comes to mind is a pot of my Zesty Pumpkin Soup.  Click here for that and remember to use almond milk to stay plan-friendly with Trim Healthy Mama. (And the biscuits in that blog post – not on plan – tasty, but pure Frankenfood.) I also think of digging out my boots and scarves, going on outings with friends while the weather is brisk and the colors are bright.  I dream of having friends over for comfort food!

To do that, I like a touch of fall in the house, even in the kitchen.  You probably do, too, and that’s why I think you’ll enjoy October’s First Friday Freebie!

You’ll be hostessing in style with this fall set of two kitchen towels from Fabulous Home’s Fall Harvest Collection.  Measuring 15” X 25”, they are of generous size.  One boasts a plaid of burgundy and gold while the coordinating towel has word art just right for the season. For an extra touch of fall color, you can display (either hanging or sitting) this 5” X 5” metal sign by Dayspring that lovingly lists “Ten Things God Wants You to Remember”.

To enter to win this fall towel set and metal sign, leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, October 2nd, 2020 and be sure to say, “I’ve fallen for the Freebie!”

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over at the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “I’ve fallen for the Freebie!”

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

If you don’t do it now, you might just forget between now and midnight and miss your opportunity to enter.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email.

Enjoy these beautiful days if you live in a place where the seasons change.  Winter around here is nothing I care to brag about, but autumn in the Midwest is a glorious sight to behold.  May you revel in the beauty of it all!  Have a picnic.  Take long walks. Gather some folks around a campfire. Just go sit and stare at the handiwork of God.

Comments or questions?  What’s your favorite thing to do this time of year? 

Meet September’s First Friday Freebie Winner!

Autumn officially arrived a little over a week ago and the days have been just lovely here, even the rainy ones, for it has been the kind of rain that feels appropriate for the transition of the seasons.

As we now greet October, color is due to arrive where we live and I am always in hopes that science equals beauty.  All the right amounts of rain at just the exact times causes a burst of orange, gold and burgundy and that certain red that can only be described as “fall red”.  While we wait for it, let’s meet the latest winner of Midwest Storyteller’s First Friday Freebie. 

September’s free gift found its home with –

Debby from Boonville, Missouri

Debby is a first time winner here on the blog.  Congratulations, Debby!  I hope you enjoy your diamond dial watch and I know it will go with lots of your outfits for fall.

If you’d like to see the original freebie offer and have a better look at the beautiful watch Debby won, click here.

You can see past First Friday Freebies and their winners on my Freebies! page here.  If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Debby is a fairly new subscriber and you must be an email subscriber to enter to win.  She did that entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirming her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  And that, dear friends, is just as free as the freebie!  Subscribing is the best way to avoid missing what’s new here on the blog because you’ll get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

Comment as directed on the post that offers the Freebie and you’ll be entered to win. 

Freebies are my way of reaching more people with the stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Get the idea?

October’s drawing will take place tomorrow on Friday, October 2nd.  I’ll surprise you in the morning with the announcement and photo of October’s free gift, so don’t forget to check it out.

A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight on the day of the drawing. 

REMEMBER:  Should your name be drawn as the winner, you will be notified via the email you used to subscribe.  That means you’ll need to check your email often in the week following the drawing so that you can respond and keep the prize from being offered to someone else.

Take a moment make yourself familiar with the complete Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, October 2nd, 2020.

If you’ve won one of my Freebies in the past, leave a comment today and let me know how you liked it.  Did you gift it to someone special or keep it for yourself?    

It’s Time for a Freebie!

I think you’ll agree with me that as soon as the calendar flipped over to September, it was time for a change!  People have shown an amazing amount of patience in the last several months, but I can sense a certain something in the air that tells me we are all ready for cooler weather, a shift in how we connect with the world and a big dose of normalcy.

I’m here to lift your spirits with a lovely gift!  I think you’ll enjoy September’s First Friday Freebie! 

Freebie Diamond Dial Watch midweststoryteller.com

This gorgeous watch by “Time and True” will help you get back into the swing of things in style.  It has a genuine diamond in the dial and the thing I love most is the self-adjustable bracelet band.  You can see that on the watch in the lower portion of the photo. This means you won’t have to have the band adjusted by adding or removing links. You ask why there are two watches?  I couldn’t resist buying one for myself when I got one just for you!  Smuffy always gets the job of removing links when I buy a watch with a metal band because I have small wrists, so I was thrilled to be able to find such a pretty watch that I could just put on and wear.

The color is a rose gold that leans toward bronze which will look perfect with your fall outfits.

And guys, do you know how many points you’ll score if you win this watch and give it to her “just because”?  I’m trying to help you out here.

So many people have said these last few months that the days have gone by in a blur to the point where they didn’t know what time it was or what day it was.  I’ve found myself feeling the same way.  So, if you’re headed back to school, work or just a more normal life, you might enjoy this First Friday Freebie.  By the way, it is September, it is Friday and it is the 4th day of the month.  Are we all straightened out now?   

To enter to win this “Time and True” Diamond Dial Watch, leave a comment on this post before midnight tonight, September 4th, 2020 and be sure to say, “It’s time I won a Freebie!”

First Friday Freebies are for email SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, so subscribe now over at the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page and subscribe to Midwest Storyteller if you haven’t done so already.

Your friends will enjoy the stories, recipes, laughter and, of course, the FREEBIES here on the blog, too, so share with all your friends and family through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest.

Subscribers win every single month!  On the “Freebies” page, you’ll be able to see what they’ve been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “It’s time I won a Freebie!”

Click here for complete First Friday Freebie rules.

Four simple steps!

If you don’t do it now, tomorrow will dawn and you’ll have missed your opportunity to enter.  Subscribe now if you haven’t already, and confirm in your email before you forget! 

The days are shorter now.  Autumn will officially be here in less than three weeks.  Decorate your home, pull out the scarves and sweaters and have them ready for that first nippy day.  Things are about to change and, my dear friends, it’s about time!

Next up, (did I say up?) Smuffy’s up to something – WAY up!

Comments or questions?  What have you done in the last few months to keep the joy alive?