First Friday Freebie Winner

Not Tired of Winning!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ Leave a comment

It’s time to meet February’s winner of my First Friday Freebie.  It pays to open up that monthly email from Midwest Storyteller and enter every single time by making a single comment.  This winner has gotten her groove on.

February Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations, Liz from Boonville, Missouri!

Liz enters to win nearly every single month and she has won the Freebie multiple times now. Go, Liz!

Liz is an email subscriber here on the blog. Subscribing is free and is required to enter to win. Then, comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrives in your inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  However, you should see a “SUBSCRIBE” button floating along as you scroll. Click on that and follow directions.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my upcoming novels, book signings, speaking events or when I share a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On March 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

I am so excited at the prospect of spring! Smuffy has always been the one to trade his bird books in for seed catalogs and dream of creating a dazzling plot of summer scrumptousness. I get the urge to wander through plant nurseries and find little pots of color that promise to explode into masses of beauty all around the house. My tulips are poking up out of the ground two or three inches already.

What are you looking forward to most when spring arrives? Do you have a favorite spring flower?  Leave a comment and let me know.

And, if you are within driving distance, mark your calendar now and plan to join me on Wednesday, April 29th. If you have a story within you or perhaps one already in progress, you won’t want to miss the Community Lecture Series at State Fair Community College. I’ll be speaking on “Your Manuscript’s Journey:  The Messes, The Mishaps & The Miracles.  I’ll give details in upcoming posts right here.

Freebie Winners Galore!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet some of Midwest Storyteller’s recent winners of the monthly First Friday Freebie.

You’re getting several in one lump. My schedule since the end of summer has been consumed with the release of “Hear My Whisper” (Book 1 in the Morgan’s Landing series) and the subsequent book signings and events that have occurred since its release on November 18th. My apologies for having to let this fall by the wayside.

Take a look at who’s been winning –

Freebie Winners Galore! https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations, Everyone!

Note that the fourth month featured in the photo has a wrecker and not a winner. No congratulations offered there!  Smuffy and I were smitten with the flu between Christmas and New Year’s and, though we usually dismiss the media’s predictions as their attempt to scare the pants off everyone, we found out they weren’t kidding around this year. January’s first Friday came and went without my knowing what day it was – for several days in a row. The following week, when the fever finally broke, I realized that I had missed offering a freebie at all for the month. So, instead of a gift as a token of my appreciation for you, I can offer you this piece of advice – avoid this nasty round of Influenza A!

All of my winners are email subscribers. Subscribing is free and is required to enter to win. Then, they each commented as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in their inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  However, you should see a “SUBSCRIBE” button floating along as you scroll. Click on that and follow directions.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my upcoming novels, book signings, speaking events or when I share a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On February 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

I am not so patiently waiting for winter to be over, although I do love seeing how much Lil’ Snookie enjoys playing in the snow and how thrilled Fruity Pebbles is to be alongside Phoebe June watching the birds flock to the feeders. I also remind myself that since I am closeted with editing the sequel to “Hear My Whisper”, I should be glad that pleasant weather isn’t tempting me to be outdoors.   

Leave a comment – what are you doing to pass the time on these winter days? I suppose those of you who don’t live in this climate could torture me with all the ways you’re frolicking about in grassy meadows or lounging on beaches. I’d love to hear from you either way!

And, don’t forget to join me at my next in-person event. Get the details HERE.

Another Freebie Winner

~ Midwest Storyteller

I’m a little behind in letting you meet the winners of my First Friday Freebie.

Check out the First Friday Freebie rules below. You’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Meet August’s winner –

Winner Liz https://midweststoryteller.com/category/freebies/

Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Liz! 

Liz is shown here with the “Welcome Home” decor she won. As an email subscriber, Liz commented as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Liz won here. 

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate to “SUBSCRIBE” at the top of the page or in the drop-down menu. Then, fill in your email and hit the “SUBSCRIBE” button.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series, a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On October 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Though we’ve turned the page to October, the leaves are still green and the temperatures are very warm out. I’m hoping that autumn arrives and stays a good, long while.    

Leave a comment – have you any ideas for fun activities that fit between naps so that Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles can get as much fall fun in as possible before cold weather comes?

Welcome to August and its Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

It’s officially August, that month when, here in the Midwest, we all sigh as we plod through it toward tolerable days that we hope to enjoy around the second week of September.  Mysteriously, a cool front moved in last night and we are reveling in perfect temperatures, enjoying long sits on the porch and strolls around the neighborhood.  Strange, but nobody’s complaining.  Sometime next week, August will decide to show us what it’s really made of.

Celebrate our cool-down with this month’s First Friday Freebie.

Freebie Welcome Home https://midweststoryteller.com/

Welcome everybody home with this box-framed piece of home décor from Old East Main Company.  Measuring approximately 8 inches wide and 6 ½ inches tall, it has enough depth to sit upright on your mantle, shelf or tray.  Inside the white wood frame the word art is painted on an attached rust-colored panel. This color has come into vogue lately for any season, but as you may soon be changing up your seasonal décor, it will look especially nice for fall. As with many of my other freebies, I wanted one, too.  However, since it was the only one in the store – you win!

To enter to win the “Welcome Home” décor, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “There’s no place like home.”

SHARE this post through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest or send the link in an email to all your friends so they can enter to win!

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have 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, “There’s no place like home.”

You can find the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, August 1st! 

And, if you’ve been a First Friday Freebie winner in the past, leave a comment. Tell me how you liked your gift and whether you kept it or perhaps used it to bless someone else.

May’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

After a few delays and a little confusion, here’s another winner of my First Friday Freebie.

Check out the First Friday Freebie rules below. You’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Meet May’s winner –

Elise from Sterling, Illinois.

Congratulations, Elise!  Let me know how you liked the stories (especially mine).

Elise is shown here with the book she won. As an email subscriber, Carol commented as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Elise won here. 

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE, news on my upcoming novels, a new story or recipe.

Please share what you find here with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On August 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

It’s hot – it’s super hot out.  If you live in the Midwest, it’s oppressively sticky.  I try to take Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles to the park in the mornings before it gets unbearable out.  Afternoons are filled with books, play and arts ‘n crafts (and keeping Fruity Pebbles from eating everything associated with all those activities).   

Leave a comment – what are you doing (besides perhaps enjoying a snooze) on these days when you’re staying in the air conditioning and asking God to bless the person who invented it?

April’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Here’s another winner for you to meet.  Yes, the First Friday Freebie strikes again.

Tomorrow is not only Independence Day for those of us in the USA, but it’s First Friday Freebie  day as well.  Check out the First Friday Freebie rules below. You’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet April’s winner –

April's Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Carol from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Carol!

Carol is shown here with the jewelry set she won and I really hope she enjoys wearing it as an expression of her faith. As an email subscriber, Carol commented as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Carol won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month or when I post news on upcoming novels, a new story or recipe.  You’ll always be able to check out the latest bit of encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

Freebies can help me reach more people, but only if you share them with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On July 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight CST.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Summer is in full swing and I hope you are enjoying it to the fullest.  Make the best of every day.  Be a bit spontaneous.  A few days ago, I took Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles to the park to play with friends and cousins.  As we rolled up, a rumble of thunder told us that we were about to get wet.  Five seconds later, we got wet.  Though the adults headed for the shelter house, we let the little ones run and play in the rain.  Oh, how it rained and oh, how they ran and laughed.  We took them all home – soggy and happy.

Leave a comment – what’s something spontaneous you’ve done for summer fun that’s made a memory for you?

March’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

Meet the most recent winner of my First Friday Freebie. Yes, it’s that time again. Someone is always a winner here.

Freebies happen every month on the first Friday.  That means there’s one tomorrow! Check out the First Friday Freebie rules below. You’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet March’s winner –

March Freebie Winner 2025 https://midweststoryteller.com/

Denise from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Denise!

She is shown here with the floral watering can décor. I’m sure it will find a place in her home to welcome guests.  As an email subscriber, Denise often enters. She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Denise won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month or when I post a new story or recipe.  You’ll always be able to check out the latest bit of encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I count on you to share them with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On April 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight CST.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, April 4th, 2025.

Spring has finally arrived.  Tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and forsythia are all blooming in our yard along with colorful redbud trees. The fields here in our rural area are blanketed with purple henbit, which, while it may not be exactly what the farmers wanted to see, it certainly makes a drive through the countryside a feast for the eyes.  After the long winter, all these things feel a bit like nature’s freebies, don’t they?  Leave a comment – what’s your favorite thing about spring?

I Do Love a Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet February’s winner of my First Friday Freebie.

March is already with us and it did come in like a lamb.  That’s the day I finally got to connect with the winner and get the freebie to its destination.  Then, as if it couldn’t bear the thought of wasting time, the month turned on us like a lion and today we had snow and a 30 MPH wind.  Smuffy and I had places to be and things to do and we are still trying to get warm after being out in it!

Meeting February’s winner will warm your heart –

February Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations to Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

Liz is pictured here with the “LOVE” home décor sign and as you can see if you look closely at the photo, one of her loves is the Kansas City Chiefs. 

As an email subscriber, Liz gets an email when the First Friday Freebie is released.  She then commented as directed in the freebie post at midweststoryteller.com

I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Liz won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.  You’ll also receive encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I count on you to share them with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On March 7th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight CST.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, March 7th, 2025.

What are your plans for March?  Are you curled up with your seed catalogs?  Are you decorating your home with splashes of spring pastels.  Are you getting out on pleasant days for long walks?  Somehow, I find even indoor things seem easier when the weather warms a bit.  Getting out for that morning trip to the gym doesn’t seem so daunting these days.

The Latest Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet my most recent winner of the First Friday Freebie. The delay is my fault – I dove into heavy editing and barely came up for air. I even took an informal vow to do nothing else till I hit “send” on this manuscript, even promising myself I wouldn’t take down Christmas décor until it happened.  Fruity Pebbles changed my mind for me when she began crawling and pulling up to things. Christmas had to go for the benefit of her safety and my sanity. She’s now as busy as I am.

Still, there’s a Freebie every month. Check out the First Friday Freebie rules below. You’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet January’s winner –

Freebie Winner January 2025 https://midweststoryteller.com/

Christine from Boonville, Missouri.

Christine is shown here with “Weekly Schemes” organizational pad and pen set. She’s a natural organizer, so this will help keep her on track.

As an email subscriber, Christine enters often. She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Christine won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.  You’ll also receive encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I count on you to share them with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On February 7th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight CST.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 7th, 2025.

Here we are in February, the month of love!  What do you love doing in February? Do you avoid the push toward commercializing the idea of saying, “I Love You” or do you jump in with both feet and make homemade Valentines? Leave a comment and let me know.  Even though we should focus on showing love to others every month of the year, I think February serves as a nice reminder to pour it on extra thick! I’ll have mine with chocolate.

December’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

Yes, it’s a whole new month and a whole new year, but illness and travel plans kept December’s First Friday Freebie winner from getting her photo to me in a timely manner. If you take a moment to check out the First Friday Freebie Rules at the link below, you’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet –

December Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri.

Ginger is a repeat winner because she enters often (and maybe because some of you aren’t entering often enough).  Here she is with her holiday kitchen set that I’m sure she’ll enjoy using when the 2025 holiday season rolls around.

As an email subscriber, Ginger has entered often ever since they debut of Midwest Storyteller.   She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Ginger won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.  You’ll also receive encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On January 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, January 3rd, 2025.

What inspires you in the winter months?  Cleaning closets?  Delving into your family tree?  Snuggling up with cocoa, books and a warm kitty?  Or, are you like me and you are resolved to do a couple of hundred pages of editing.  Leave a comment.  I’m waiting to see your interesting answers to that! 

October:  Color (and a Freebie) Everywhere!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

Here in the Midwest, we are in for a change.  October is the month of color.  While you’re waiting for all the beautiful colors outside, why not create your own colorful masterpieces inside?

Let’s take a look at today’s First Friday Freebie –

Amazing Grace Coloring Book https://midweststoryteller.com/

Several years ago a new trend took hold – adult (or advanced) coloring books.  Some doctors even started recommending them for people who needed to de-stress.  Rather than chunky drawings or cartoon-like pictures, these contained trailing florals, word art and any number of other intricate designs that adults could spend time relaxing with as they let their mind focus on the beauty and their creative choices rather than the cares of this world.  You can settle into cozy fall days with this “Amazing Grace” coloring book.  It’s full of beautiful pages meant to inspire such as the one at the right in the photo.  Grab some colored pencils or markers and create some art to frame, give away, or just keep in the book to admire.

To enter to win the “Amazing Grace” coloring book, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Color my October!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, October 4th, 2024.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  Fall is a great time to curl up with a good book, but since mine isn’t released yet, you might win this freebie and be able to color while you wait. Check out the latest updates on my “Morgan’s Landing” book series here.  Fall is also a great time to try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Remember to be sure to share the content you enjoy here on your social media such as Facebook, Instagram and “X”.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, October 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “Color my October!”  

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

May your days ahead be filled with sunshine, rustling leaves and the laughter of children playing in them!

A Freebie in Blue Jeans

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

We’re due for cooler temperatures starting tomorrow and you know what that means – It’ll be blue jeans weather.  You can inch toward that fashion statement with today’s First Friday Freebie. 

Let’s take a look –

Denim Cross Earrings. https://midweststoryteller.com/

These denim cross earrings feature are exactly that – made of denim.  They’re so lightweight, yet keep their shape.  That makes them so easy to wear.  I’m not sure why I’m on an earring kick lately as far as freebies go, but they just caught my eye.  The overall length is 3 ¼ inches from the top of the hook.  The cross itself measures 2 7/8 inches. They are by Accessory Connection and a great find from Factory Connection.

To enter to win the denim cross earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m stepping into fall!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, September 6th, 2024.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  Fall is a great time to curl up with a good book and my first novel is coming soon. Check out the latest updates on that here.  While you wait for the official release of the first book in the “Morgan’s Landing series, you can try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Remember to be sure to share the content you enjoy here on your social media such as Facebook, Instagram and “X”.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, September 6th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m stepping into fall!”  

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy these beautiful days ahead.  May your fall be colorful, peaceful and blessed!

August’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

As we’re entering into September, it’s time to meet the winner of my First Friday Freebie for the month of August.  If you take a moment to check out the First Friday Freebie Rules at the link below, you’ll find out how simple it is to enter to win.  This is a special monthly gift for my email subscribers only.

Let’s meet –

August Freebie Winner Shirley https://midweststoryteller.com/

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri.

Shirley is modeling the sunflower earrings she just won and the more I see them on her the more I want a pair just like them.

Shirley was one of my very first email subscribers. She consistently enters to win and therefore she has had her name drawn more than once! She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post on the day it arrived in her inbox.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Shirley won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.  You’ll also receive encouragement, healthy recipes, short stories, lots of laughs and updates on the books I write.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On September 6th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, September 6th, 2024.

Smuffy always says that this time of year brings him into a seasonal shift even if the weather doesn’t have that hint of autumn crispness quite yet.  Thoughts of his pioneer ancestors fill his mind and he gets the urge to meander through forests and read the diaries of Lewis and Clark.  I’m sure Lil’ Snookie will want to spend as many days playing at the park as he can possibly manage.  What thoughts inspire you in the month of September?  Leave a comment.  We might get some interesting answers to that! 

It’s Never Too Hot for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

I know I have readers all over the place, but if you’re in the Midwest or somewhere like it, these are the dog days of summer.  I’ve often wondered about this weird phrase and discovered that it’s been in use for centuries and has astrological origins that have something to do with the Dog Star bringing uncomfortable heat and suffering on humans but even more so on dogs that seemed to run a much higher risk of going mad from it.  I was surprised at this elaborate explanation.  All my life I had pictured nothing more than our farm dogs, using the sense God gave them, crawling under cars, trucks and machinery to roll in the cool fine dust and nap until the sun went down.

If you are so blessed as to have air conditioning, and I hope you are, you don’t have to go out and lie under your car when the temperatures are nudging themselves toward triple digits and the air is so thick with humidity you can chew it.  You can stay inside and get online to your favorite blog and enter to win a First Friday Freebie in cool comfort. 

This month’s Freebie is just the thing for August and into September.  Let’s take a look –

Wooden Sunflower Earrings https://midweststoryteller.com/

These wooden drop earrings feature a laser cut sunflower inside a teardrop loop.  The overall length is 3 ½ inches from the top of the hook.  I really like the look of them “as is” because they are raw wood, but I couldn’t help but think that it wouldn’t take much more than a steady hand for someone to take a bit of colored stain on a small brush and tint those petals gold and possibly the rims of the teardrops green.  Just a thought.  They are by Accessory Connection and a great find from Factory Connection.

To enter to win the wooden sunflower earrings, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Spread a little sunshine!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, August 2nd, 2024.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  Summertime is a great time to read about Smuffy’s river adventures. Try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Remember to be sure to share the content you enjoy here on your social media such as Facebook, Instagram and “X”.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, June 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “Spread a little sunshine!”  

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

I don’t know how your summer is going, but I have given up on being outdoors much for now and am using the heat as my best excuse to stay at my desk and write.  The first book in my “Morgan’s Landing” series is coming soon and I am deep in the process of editing the sequel so I can get it to the publisher.  I’ll keep you posted on that as well as the screenplay, which is now finished.  Poor Smuffy is out in the miserable heat every day working on a number of projects.

Stay cool.  Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.  Some great ideas can be found in my last post here. As my mother always said, “Come January, we’ll be wishing for this!”

June’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Time to meet the winner of my First Friday Freebie for the month of June.  I enjoy giving away a little something special every month and though it’s not cars or jewels, I hope it does bring you something to look forward to and a reason to share Midwest Storyteller with your friends and family. 

Let’s meet –

Liz the Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

You can see that although the First Friday Freebie recommends staying home – Liz didn’t. Since she’s local, I caught up with her out shopping and took this photo.

For Liz, it was as simple as entering to win on the first Friday of the month and waiting to see if her name was drawn as the winner.  She did have to comment as directed in the freebie post that day.  I require this tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Liz won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

We live in a life filled with gadgets and you’ll find that this blog can have a different appearance depending on whether you are on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  You can easily navigate in the menu under “CONTACT”, fill in your email and hit “SUBSCRIBE”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

On August 2nd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, August 2nd, 2024.

We’ve been in the grip of summer heat here, with temperatures around 97 degrees.  The leftovers of Hurricane Beryl are keeping us wet, wet, wet.  Though it is one bad hair day after another around here lately, we are blessed.  I can enjoy Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles in any weather!   What’s your summer been like? Leave a comment and tell me how you’re spending your days.

May’s SURPRISED Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

This announcement has taken a bit for a couple of reasons.  We can ignore the obvious one because, as you may have noticed, I can be a bit slow.  I have a “perfect” excuse this time because I’ve been busy welcoming my new baby granddaughter into the world.  Helping out and snuggling does take time and as they say – somebody’s gotta do it.  Lil’ Snookie is as smitten with his baby sister as his Grandpa Smuffy and I are.

May’s First Friday Freebie also had to journey west to the winner – Jan in Greeley, Colorado.  After that, Jan decided to surprise her daughter with it and here she is, showing it off alongside her other bracelet.

Re-gifting is wonderful when it brings a smile like you see here.  Jan tells me that her daughter was tickled with the gift and that it brightened her day.

I hope you enjoy your freebies whenever you win and if you give them away to bless someone and show a little love – well, that’s why I give them in the first place!

This is certainly stating the obvious, but Jan was able to win because she entered to win.  Her name was drawn at random after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to ask you to go to a tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Jan won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

I’ll announce June’s winner soon and coming up on July 5th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, July 5th, 2024.

May was such a blessing here.  We had beautiful weather.  The rain gave us a burst of green grass and showy flowers.  For us, the Lord topped off all these blessings with a brand new baby fresh from Heaven.  Now summer has set in and it is hot, sticky and outside chores are feeling very much like chores.  Leave a comment and tell me what you’re doing to keep cool. 

Summertime is Freebie Time!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

Even if it isn’t officially summer, June always seems to bring on the summer attitude along with activities.  It is officially, however, First Friday Freebie Day here at Midwest Storyteller and if you are an email subscriber, you might just win if you try.  If you’re not a subscriber – hop to it!

For many of us, summer is just one blur of activity and we are rarely at home.  For others, this frantic pace gets to be a bit too much as the temperatures soar and we’d just as soon be lazy in the hazy, crazy days of summer.  Though I love spending my fair share of time at the park with Lil’ Snookie or out doing other things, I have to admit that I’m drawn to staying home more lately, mostly due to the fact that Smuffy has beautified and screened in my porch to such a degree that the idea of relaxing out there with a glass of Lime Sillies is getting to be addictive!

If you feel the same, then this First Friday Freebie is for you –

Let's Stay Home 6" Home Decor Sign www.midweststoryteller.com

This simple piece of décor by Sign of the Times expresses the desire “Let’s Stay HOME” in black and white.  The framed portion measures six inches square.  Since the frame is about one inch in depth, it can easily be a shelf sitter if you prefer not to hang it by the wooden beaded hanger at the top. 

To enter to win the Let’s Stay Home décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Home is where my heart is!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, June 7th, 2024.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.  You’re not officially subscribed until you confirm by email.

If you haven’t kept up with things here at Midwest Storyteller lately, then you may not know that I’m a grandma again!  For a bit on that see Waiting is Hard and you’ll also get some encouragement if you are finding yourself in a difficult waiting season.

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages. Try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Remember to be sure to share the things you enjoy on your social media such as Facebook, Instagram if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, June 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “Home is where my heart is!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy June.  Go fishing.  Have a picnic.  Play in the park.  Or, just stay home!

Latest Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I have managed, in spite of all the push lately surrounding my writing, to draw a winner for April’s First Friday Freebie. Let’s meet –

April Freebie Wnner Ginger midweststoryteller.com

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri!

Congratulations, Ginger!  I hope you enjoy your little birdie, wherever it finds a place to land. I’m thinking that the double-ended nature of the piece makes it a great way to lower a hanging pot to the desired level, but I know Ginger and it may end up gracing her super-cute chicken house.

I know you’ve met Ginger before as she is a repeat winner. That’s because she enters often.  Her name was drawn at random after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to ask you to go to a tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t think you’re too far away to enter.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Ginger won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on May 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.

I hope April brought you showers (if you needed them as much as we did) and that May will bring you flowers. Lil’ Snookie and I are going to be busy planting some of those today, doing our part to make America beautiful. Leave a comment and tell me what you’re planting that makes you smile. 

March’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

This may seem a little late, but our First Friday Freebie winner has been a bit under the weather.  Now that she’s feeling better, she was able to send me a photo.  Let’s meet –

Vikki from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Vikki!  I know the symbolism in this freebie means a lot to you and that you will find a great place for it in your home or office.   

Vikki’s name was drawn at random after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to ask you to go to a tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.  Vikki is a repeat winner for that very reason –  she is paying attention!

Don’t think you’re too far away to enter.  I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Vikki won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on April 5th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, April 5th, 2024.

I have tulips blooming all up and down my front walk.  This is always a special time because I feel like it makes my house look happy after the long, drab winter.  It may be my favorite part of spring.  It’s less than two weeks till planting time where we live.  What are your spring gardening plans?  Leave a comment and tell me about the happiest place in your yard! 

March Starts with a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

If you live where there are four seasons (and in the Northern Hemisphere), the month of March brings hope, warmth in spurts and newness of life.  To add to all this, it also brings a First Friday Freebie!

Spring, unless this is just some sort of teaser, seems to be arriving early this year.  Celebrating the Passover and Resurrection will also arrive early this year, so I’m not waiting to offer this Freebie until April.  Let’s take a look. 

Beaded Wooden Wall Cross www.midweststoryteller.com

This wooden cross wall hanging is a Hobby Lobby find and I love the three-dimensional look.  It measures approximately 14” X 7.5” including the bead tassel at the bottom. Smaller wooden beads also cross in the center over the cut-out area.  If you have a wall that is wallpapered or painted in a happy color, this decoration will really make things pop. The tassel, cut-out and 1” depth of the piece creates shadow and movement.   

To enter to win the beaded cross, all you need to do is hum a tune and “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I Will Cling to the Old Rugged Cross!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, March 1st, 2024.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

No one will get to enjoy all the great things here on the blog unless you share it with your friends and family through all your social media, so if you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to share and if you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “I Will Cling to the Old Rugged Cross!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

This month, if you are a believer, it is time to turn the eyes of your heart toward Calvary, tune the ears of your spirit to the Voice of the One who loves you most and set your feet on a path to share the Good News with someone who might be waiting to hear it. 

You don’t have to be a believer to enjoy the humor, stories, reviews, creative ideas and recipes here on the blog, but I do share from my heart and unashamedly let you know who I am at times. God has blessed me and my family immeasurably and this glorious season is the most special and holy time of the year for us.

Blessings to all!

Meet February’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

The month of love is about to expire, but gloriously it will be replaced by the month of spring!  Before it’s gone, let’s meet the First Friday Freebie winner.

Freebie Winner Ruby www.midweststoryteller.com

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Ruby!  You’re a repeat winner and that is because you always remember to enter to win. I hope you enjoy this bit of shelf décor that not only was great for the month of love but also for styling your home with a Resurrection theme or for any time of the year.

Ruby’s name was drawn at random after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to ask you to go to a tiny bit of effort each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

Don’t think you’re too far away to enter.  I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Ruby won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers get an email reminder each time there’s something new – like when there’s a FREEBIE on the First Friday of every month.

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

Freebies enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on March 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, March 1st, 2024.

We’re emerging from a cold snap here and if the meteorologists aren’t messing with us, we’re heading into some glorious days as March rolls in, so I am hoping that the old saying that should it come in like a lamb it will go out like a lion is just a bunch of hooey.  I just love it when spring feels like spring!      

January’s Freebie Winner

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to meet 2024’s first First Friday Freebie winner.

She’s local, so I got to deliver her gift to her in person at a luncheon we were both attending.

Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Carol www.midweststoryteller.com

Carol from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Carol!  I hope you enjoy the bracelet set and find all sorts of ways to wear it, either all five pieces at once, one at a time or in various combinations.  Carol told me she has an upcoming special event that will be just the right time to accessorize with these pretty bracelets.

Carol had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

You don’t have to be in my neck of the woods like Carol to be a winner.  I send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S.

As long as you’re an email subscriber, you can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of each month.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Carol won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.   

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 enable me to reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on February 2nd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

We’re heading not only for the next Freebie, but for the month of love.  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to trade snowflakes in for red and pink hearts.  January around here was difficult to love in certain spots.  If you’re needing a mid-winter boost, try this quick read: The Underused Four-letter Word.  

2023’s Final Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Greetings in this Bright New Year and all my hopes and prayers that yours is one to remember for all the right reasons.

I’ve been overwhelmed lately, as I’m sure many of you have been over the holidays.  Add to that some (well, lots) of attention that needed to be given to the publishing of my upcoming novel series and some other exciting things that have to do with the future of my book series and I feel I can safely say that I’m what they officially call frazzled.  There’s been no time for chatting with you here recently and that has made me sad.  We can, at least, find out who won December’s “surprise” First Friday Freebie.

Let’s meet –

DIY Holiday Gift Bags www.midweststoryteller.com

Francine from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Francine!  I hope you enjoy and made good use of my hand-made projects. The reason this had to remain a surprise is because I wasn’t finished with them when the First Friday Freebie offer was posted.  I told you I was frazzled.

Francine received her First Friday Freebie in plenty of time to put it to good use for its intended purpose.  I’m always itching to up-cycle something and when I have time, I pull out the craft supplies and my stash of “saved up stuff” and start making things.  This year, Lil’ Snookie and I made lots of homemade Christmas cards, using the pretty fronts I’d saved from cards over the years and adding his creative Nativity artwork (or as he called it, “a barn with statues”) inside along with a Christmas blessing.  Having plenty of cards left over, I decided to decorate gift bags!  Many of the cards had flocking, lots of glitter or sparkle or metallic enhancements even before I added my own touches.

Each bag has its individual Christmas card on the front which I embellished with crystals and metallic ink.  I inserted coordinating tissue and added one of my handmade tags which I also embellished the crystals and metallic ink.  After being pleased with my own bags, I decided that a set of five would make a great gift for one of my readers.

I do send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t let your location keep you from entering to win.  It seems that though I have many subscribers and followers, a relatively small percentage enter to win.  That makes your odds fantastic!

Francine had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Francine won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.    

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on January 5th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, January 5th, 2024.

I hope you are beginning this year with bright hopes and high expectations.  After all, is there any benefit in going about it any other way?    

November’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I hope this finds you filled with gratitude for all your blessings and ready to bestow them on others during this Christmas season.

I’m excited for you to meet the winner of the most recent First Friday Freebie.

Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Pattie www.midweststoryteller.com

Pattie from Morristown, Tennessee!

Congratulations, Pattie!  I’ve known Pattie for a long time and am thrilled that she keeps up with my blog and entered to win!  Seeing her hold that sign seems so fitting as it’s her way of living life.

Remember that I do send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t be shy.  I seem to have many more subscribers than those who enter to win.

Pattie had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Pattie won here. 

If you’re reading this and haven’t become an email subscriber yet, please do that today.  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, have enticed you to do that.  I’ve been a little lax lately due to working on edits for my publisher. 

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on December 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, December 1st, 2023.

I hope you are entering in to the full joys of the Christmas season.  After all, that’s when we received the greatest Gift of all – and it was also free! 

Time to Be Grateful (and time for a Freebie)!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

It’s Time to Be Grateful!

I’ll admit it – the world is on fire.  We’re seeing and hearing more hate and discontent on the news lately than we’ve seen in a long time and it’s enough to get you down.

It is so important in this time to remember from whence cometh our help and to pause, lift up thanks to the Giver of every perfect gift, be grateful for all the things we do have and pray for those who are suffering.

This month’s First Friday Freebie might help you prepare for this season of Thanksgiving and serve as a reminder that others might wish they were in your shoes.

Be Grateful Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

This hammered metal wall hanging with attached twine for hanging measures approximately 8 inches square.  Its “Be Grateful” sentiment is apt for the season and it will fit into any décor.  It’s a great find from Hobby Lobby. 

To enter to win the “Be Grateful” wall décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m grateful for every good thing in my life!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, November 3rd, 2023.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

Haven’t subscribed yet?  You’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

Be sure to share my blog with friends and family through all your social media.  They’ll never know about it unless you do.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”. Hey!  The world needs to know.  People have enough news every day to drag them down.  Give them something smile about.

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, November 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m grateful for every good thing in my life!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

We’ve had a nasty little cold snap that felt like a harsh reminder that winter is about to hit the Midwest.  Then, things came to their senses and returned to where they ought to be, which is sweater weather.  I hope that wherever you are, you can enjoy the glory of the outdoors as long as possible.

Meet October’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s time to see who won the most recent First Friday Freebie.  I promise I got it to her in plenty of time for decorating throughout the month, even if I am slow in posting this.

Let’s meet –

Freebie Winner Shirley www.midweststoryteller.com

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Shirley!  This was my “two-fer”, so I hope you enjoy them both.

Shirley is a repeat winner.  She’s learned to enter every single month and that it pays off.  Remember that I do send freebies anywhere in the continental U. S., so don’t be shy.  I seem to have many more subscribers than those who enter to win.

Shirley had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie post as directed in the post.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer for the one Shirley won here. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Just a shameless plug here.  When my soon to be released novel comes out (the first in a three part series), it won’t be free.  Well…perhaps one special copy might just pop up as a First Friday Freebie?  We’ll see!

Coming up on November 3rd, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, November 3rd, 2023.

Enjoy the glories of autumn.  Like the First Friday Freebie, it is fleeting – it’s not here to stay. 

August’s Freebie Winner

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

August is fading away, but Midwest Storyteller’s First Friday Freebie winner is just getting started – on Chapter One, that is!

Let’s meet her now  –

Vikki from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Vikki!  I hope you enjoy your journey through your autographed copy of Diane Yates‘ latest novel, Love’s Fate! Diane tells a good story so be sure to rate and review the book on Amazon. I want to give a special thanks to Diane for donating this copy of her latest release as August’s gift to you!

Lest my readers assume that here at Midwest Storyteller we give away a super-cute babies along with the monthly First Friday Freebie, this is to be be the ignored as media-hype. Neither Diane Yates nor myself would condone such a thing. The baby came attached to the winner and why would anyone disturb such preciousness just to have one’s photo taken. Thank you Vikki for giving us an “Oooh!” peek at the freebie and an “Awww!” peek at that grandbaby.

Vikki had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie offer as directed in the post.  I require that little bit of effort on the part of my readers in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.  

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer here.

Disappointed that you didn’t win a copy of Love’s Fate? This latest novel and all Diane’s books can be found at dianeyates.com and at iheartpublishing.com which promotes authors with books that hold to traditional values.

Be sure to subscribe to Diane’s newsletter so you can keep up with all her writings!

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Coming up on September 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, September 1st, 2023.

Meet July’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

Due to circumstances that shouldn’t have been beyond my control, I’ve had some sort of “can’t get the freebie into the hands of the winner syndrome” this summer.  Oh, well, better days ahead. 

Let’s meet the July’s winner  –

Freebie Winner Christine www.midweststoryteller.com

Christine from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Christine!  I hope you make good use of having a pocket-sized U. S. Constitution for yourself and a couple of extras for someone who might need to know what makes the greatest country on earth the greatest country on earth! I always think these make the most meaningful gift I can offer in July as we celebrate the founding of our nation.

Christine had her name drawn after she commented on the freebie offer as directed in the post.  I require that little bit of effort on the part of my readers in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offer here.

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

The next freebie winner you’ll see won a free book – not mine (mine’s not out yet) – and that is an example of how sometimes someone is gracious enough to offer a freebie here on my blog.   I love it when people do that!

Coming up on September 1st, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, September 1st, 2023.

These are the days of change. This is the time of year that we all look back at the fun of summer or its grueling chores in the hot sun and ahead to crisp days that haven’t quite arrived but tease us with a day here and there of “nice”. Treasure the last days of August.

Meet the Freebie Winners!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

What a hectic summer!  It’s been that way for all of us.  So much so that getting First Friday Freebies to their winners became delayed due to their vacations and other events.

Here they are at last, so let’s meet the May and June winners  –

May and June First Friday Freebie Winners www.midweststoryteller.com

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri and Vikki from Boonville, Missouri won the months’ free gifts respectively.

Congratulations, Ginger!  From the photo, it looks like you’re enjoying the earrings.

Congratulations, Vikki!  I hope you are enjoying the bumblebee kitchen helpers and managed to keep them from being snatched by a certain family member you’d suspected might take a fancy to them.  This sort of thing does happen once in a while.  Just remind that person that subscribing and entering to win is a more honest way to go about getting a First Friday Freebie.

Ginger and Vikki had their names drawn after they commented on the freebie posts as directed in the posts.  I do have to make it just a little tricky each month in order to prevent spam and make sure you’re on your toes and paying attention.. 

You can comment as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month also.  That is all any subscriber needs to do to enter to win.  If you’d like to see other past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original First Friday Freebie offers for the ones Ginger and Vikki won here and here.. 

Not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller?  Hopefully, my freebies, not to mention the stories, recipes and other great content, will entice you to become one – freebies are for email subscribers only.

NOTE:  Subscribe with an email you intend to keep and check the week after the drawings.  This is my only means of notifying winners.  If it isn’t up to date, you may not get your gift!

Computers, tablets, smartphones – they each give this blog a different appearance, but you can easily find the subscription area in the menu under “CONTACT”.  Confirm your subscription when the email arrives.  If you’ve don’t receive a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

Subscribers 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 help me reach more people.  I need you to help me share all the fun with your friends and family.  When you share on MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free. 

Just a shameless plug here.  When my soon to be released novel comes out (the first in a three part series), it won’t be free.  Well…perhaps one special copy might just pop up as a First Friday Freebie?  We’ll see!

Coming up on August 4th, you’ll see the new Freebie.  Enter to win that day.  A winner is chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight.  Then, check your email in the days following. 

Smartphone reminders help.

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

Subscribers, be ready to enter to win on Friday, August 4th, 2023.

Enjoy the rest of summer.  We complain about the heat, but as my sweet mother always said, we’ll be wishin’ we had it back one of these days!

Welcoming June with a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

It’s the season for summertime fun with picnics, barbecues and other outdoor fun.  I’m here to help you brighten up the festivities.

There’s always a freebie offer on the first Friday of each month, so let’s take a look at what June has to offer.

Bumble Bee Kitchen Linens www.midweststoryteller.com

Is it time to toss those grungy potholders and replace them with something a little more cheery?  Maybe it’s just time to put the ones with the bunnies away till next spring.  These kitchen helpers with a bumble bee and flower theme will have your kitchen or barbecue area looking summery and bright.  The bees hum among the soft yellow flowers and gray leaf print.  Included are one oven mitt, two potholders and one drying mat.

By the way, where have drying mats been all my life?  I’ve come to really appreciate these things and use them all the time.  Someday we’ll be telling our children that there was a time when they didn’t exist and things just sat there on a soggy tea towel.  They’ll stare in disbelief, just like when we told them that phones used to be attached to the wall and you had no idea who was calling. 

To enter to win the bumble bee kitchen set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’d bee thrilled to have this freebie!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, June 2nd, 2023.

NOTE:  An occasional problem occurs with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  Should this happen, email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

If you are new to Midwest Storyteller and haven’t subscribed, you’ll need to do that before entering to win.  Head to the right sidebar or use the menu to navigate to the “Contact” page where you can fill in your email address and then watch for your confirmation email.

My Life with Smuffy, recipes, freebies, fun things to make you laugh, reviews, creative ideas and even thoughts for you from Phoebe June – they’re all here on the blog so click through the menu and be sure to share with friends and family through all your social media.  They’ll never know about it unless you do.  If you save things on Pinterest like I do, hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

On the “Freebies” page, you can see what readers have been winning every month.

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, June 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “I’d bee thrilled to have this freebie!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy your summer. I hope to be bringing you more information and fun now that the glories of spring are about to give way to the swelter of the Midwest’s summers. 

Last month’s winner has been notified and will be revealed soon.  We’ve had issues connecting due to the fact that she’s been on vacation. 

Recipe reviews are coming up next!