Hobby Lobby Finds

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. 

I’m Springing a Freebie on You!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Last month, when I offered the First Friday Freebie, I spoke prematurely in saying that spring seemed to be arriving early this year.  It was, indeed, just a teaser, as we once again this week found ourselves covering up outdoor plants and ourselves against the freeze.

I’m going to push the warm weather idea and offer you a freebie for April that definitely speaks of better weather.

Metal Bird Art www.midweststoryteller.com

 This little piece of metal art is a Hobby Lobby find by The Spring Shop that you can display inside or out.  It measures 12.68” X 5” and will look great on a wall, on a porch post, hanging from a shepherd’s hook or even on the back yard fence.  The three-dimensional bird and leaves have a weathered look already so they’ll just become a little more so as they spend time outdoors. You have the option of hanging it by the curved metal piece or with the attached twine.     

To enter to win the metal bird art, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “A little birdie told me I might win this freebie!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, April 5th, 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.

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, April 5tht, by leaving a comment which says, “A little birdie told me I might win this freebie!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

SPRING TIP:  Have you heard about any of the scientific research concerning grounding?  Grounding, to put it in ultra-layman’s terms, is when you get outdoors, get your bare toes in the grass and get your body in touch with the earth, thus setting off a whole batch of good health benefits you may not have even known you needed.  Your grandma probably knew it.  She was probably the one who said, “Get out and work in the dirt – it’ll do you good!”  You may have thought she was just trying to get you to do her gardening chores, but she was imparting wisdom, health and life to you with those words.

It’s less than two weeks till planting time here.  Make plans to get out and get grounded!  Try singing while you’re at it.  It may make the neighbors stare, but it’ll multiply the health benefits for you.

If it’s still too cold for you, take some time and catch up here at Midwest Storyteller.  Check out all the tabs and explore the pages.  You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.

Happy Spring!

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!      

‘Tis a Freebie of Love!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

The focus in February is always on love.  Rather than grumble because it gets commercialized, why not be grateful for the reminder?  You don’t have to have a “significant other” in order to feel the love or share the love.  Look around.  Someone in your life needs to feel special and know that you care.

I’d love to make all my readers feel special, but, alas, as there is only one First Friday Freebie, I’ll have to make do with one of you.  Let’s take a look at it. 

Love Cross Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

This cross makes a statement about the One who is love.  While it will fit in nicely with all your reds and pinks if you decorate for Valentine’s Day, it’s green-on-white color scheme will take you right on into spring and celebrating the Resurrection which, by the way, falls early this year in March.  The metal wording gives texture and shine.  It measures approximate 8” X 5” and does not have a hanger on the back.  However, it is an inch in depth so it is meant to be a shelf sitter without tipping over. I thought many of you would enjoy this great  Hobby Lobby find. 

To enter to win the Love Cross, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Send me the love!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 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.

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, February 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Send me the love!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

One of the great things about a February is that even if you don’t care to keep it for yourself, you can spread the love by presenting it as a thoughtful Valentine to someone you care about.  You can be that person who lets them know they are special just when they might be needing to hear it.    

Speaking of love, you know I love Smuffy.  Have you read each and every episode of my “Life With Smuffy”?  I love and sharing those with all of you and filling your lives with joy and laughter.

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. 

Welcome September and Sweater Weather!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

We have arrived.  It’s “relief month” here in the sweltering Midwest.  September means that there is a chance that perhaps even half of the days this month won’t be those that enable you to fry an egg on the sidewalk in less than a minute.  A few of them may even leave your hair without the frizzies.  One or two might even get you out of your flip-flops. Today it is a certainty that you can enter to win my First Friday Freebie.

Let’s take a look at it.

Sweater Weather Wall Hanging www.midweststoryteller.com

I’m a believer in positive confessions, so join me in announcing “Sweater Weather” even if it hasn’t actually made itself felt yet.  This round wooden declaration of crisp days to come measures just under 8 inches in diameter.  The white inset is metal with cutout lettering and leafy embellishments.  It’s just the thing to prop on an easel, tuck into a shelf or hang on the wall using the attached metal hanger or even its twine extender.  This is just one of Hobby Lobby’s great fall items.

This time, instead of just getting one for you and wishing I had one just like it, I went ahead and bought an extra for myself.  Now I’ll have no regrets when this one leaves my house for yours! 

To enter to win the “Sweater Weather” wall décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I can’t wait for sweater weather!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, September 1st, 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.

If you’ve missed my recent post, don’t forget to check out the results of Smuffy’s kitchen remodel!  We are both glad to have the bulk of that ordeal behind us and I can’t wait for you to see how my design and all Smuffy’s hard work turned out! 

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, Septemer 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “I can’t wait for sweater weather!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy every bit of pleasant weather coming your way.  I know I’m going to try.  Life for me will fluctuate between getting outdoors to enjoy these days and closeting myself to do final edits on my novel series.  More news on that in the days ahead!

Hear That?  It’s the Sound of a Spring Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

I don’t know what your winter has been like.  Maybe you’ve had the worst one on record and had to dig your car out of a snow drift twice daily.  If so, I hate to rub this in, but we’ve been having the mildest winter I can recall in a long time.  I know, I know, this is the Midwest and it ain’t over till it’s over and we have three weeks to go, but this has been glorious for those, like me, who’d rather the season be done away with if we didn’t need it to kill the bugs.

So, as we listen to the spring peepers outside and I watch the tulips stretching their necks all up and down my front walk, let’s celebrate March with a First Friday Freebie. 

Saved by Grace Wooden Cross www.midweststoryteller.com

I almost saved this one for next month as we look forward to Resurrection Day on April 9th, but I just knew you’d be decorating early and this simple confession of faith is definitely something that suits all seasons.  “Saved by Grace” is stamped on this white wooden cross that measures slightly less than 6” X 8”.  It’s a bit distressed and the carved horizontal grooves give the appearance of shiplap.  It is thick enough to stand without falling over easily and also has a hanging notch on the back. Another great Hobby Lobby find that I think most of my readers would enjoy.

To enter to win the “Saved by Grace” cross, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I live a grace-filled life!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, March 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.

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, March 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I live a grace-filled life!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

The painful part about March is that we can’t plant anything yet here.  That’s another six weeks away.  I’ll have Lil’ Snookie begging me for outdoor play and trips to the park way before I’m warm enough to tolerate it.  It’ll come, eventually.  Then, oh, how we will glory in  it!

I have a personal victory to share with you soon, so keep watching.  I’ll post it as soon as I can.

If you still have winter blahs, my “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages will jolt you right out of it!

February’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I hope you spread the love in February.  I know I did!  Lil’ Snookie and I made Valentines together and he enjoyed helping me make Trim Healthy Two Minute Truffles and Brownie Fudge.  And, of course, I offered the First Friday Freebie of Love. 

Let’s meet the winner  –

February First Friday Freebie Winner with Gift www.midweststoryteller.com

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Shirley!  I hope you enjoy the wood and metal wall hanging.  Shirley’s name was drawn after she commented on the freebie post, which asked for everyone to fill in the blank, “I love doing life with _____”  Shirley filled it in with “grandchildren” and I’m sure this will be the perfect greeting for them when they stop by her house for a little TLC. 

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.  This gift was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

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.  What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on March 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, March 3rd, 2023.

Enjoy all the hearts and flowers February has to offer!  You may think it’s all been commercialized, but I look at it this way – if there’s one thing in life that can’t be overdone, it’s loving on others!  So, buy a box of Valentines, stir up some THM chocolate goodness and bless somebody.  Tell them you love them, appreciate them, value them.  Do it on the cheap, but do it with all your heart. 

A Freebie Sent With Love

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 16 Comments

Here we are in February and my motto is – “embrace the love”!  Whether you have a significant other or not, you can still spread love and appreciation along with the other thing I consider vital – chocolate!  Why not wear red, sport some pink, hang up some hearts and hand out some Valentines?  It beats sitting around surrounded by winter’s drab days waiting for brighter ones.  Brighten them up yourself!

I’m doing my part.  Let’s take a look at February’s First Friday Freebie. 

I Love Doing Life With You www.midweststoryteller.com

We do life with so many others – our close-knit immediate family, our extended family, those coming in and out of our home and those we meet out and about.  This weathered wood sign with its riveted metal plate declares, “I love doing life with you!”  It measures 7” wide and 10” high.  It’s a little bit of modern on a little bit of shabby and neutral to go with any décor.  You certainly won’t have to take it down after Valentine’s Day.  Its twine rope allows you to hang just about anywhere.  I hope you enjoy this great  Hobby Lobby find. 

To enter to win the “love doing life” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love doing life with _______” (and fill in the blank with someone special).  It could be your sweetie, your grandchild or your pet – just drop in that special name.  Of course, I love doing life with Smuffy. You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 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.

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, February 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “I love doing life with _______” and insert that special name or nickname. 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Spread a few hearts and flowers over the next couple of weeks and make the ones you love or appreciate feel special.  It serves to heal the soul when people know they’re not forgotten.  Soon we’ll be moving on into spring and have fresh reasons to rejoice.  For now, let’s melt the winter blahs by warming as many hearts as we can. 

I’m tweaking a great recipe to share and will hopefully have it posted here soon to help you make 2023 trim, healthy and simple. 

Speaking of love, my “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages are all about people I love and sharing those with someone will fill their lives with joy and laughter.

2023’s First First Friday Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

We’ve just said farewell to January, which is usually a welcome thing in this part of the country.  While we’re waving, say “hello” to the winner of that month’s Freebie.

Let’s meet  –

Freebie Winner Liz www.midweststoryteller.com

Liz from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Liz!  These Boonville people are super consistent about entering to win and it certainly pays off.  Liz is not a first-time winner and she assures me she has just the place in her office for the metal “family and friends” sign.    

Liz commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 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.  What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on February 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, February 3rd, 2023.

Enjoy all the hearts and flowers February has to offer!  You may think it’s all been commercialized, but I look at it this way – if there’s one thing in life that can’t be overdone, it’s loving on others!  So, buy a box of Valentines, stir up some THM chocolate goodness and bless somebody.  Tell them you love them, appreciate them, value them.  Do it on the cheap, but do it with all your heart. 

Blessings and a Freebie for Your New Year!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

May your 2023 be healthy and happy and may you prosper in it.  May your blessings be many and your troubles few.  May it start off with a fabulous First Friday Freebie! 

For most of us, this is the month when we evaluate the old year, giving thanks for the blessings that were too numerous to count, and make plans for the year to come that hopefully don’t involve any resolutions that are unrealistic and end up stealing our peace of mind.  If we focus on treasuring and nurturing home, family and friends, we can’t go wrong.  This month’s First Friday Freebie is a reminder to do just that.

Love Overflows sign www.midweststoryteller.com

This metal sign measures 11 ¾” wide and 5 ¾” high and reminds us exactly where love and joy are found.  Its white background and gray leafy vine at the edges keep it simple so it will go with any décor or season.  Its twine rope makes it easy to hang just about anywhere.  I hope you enjoy this great  Hobby Lobby find. 

To enter to win the “family & friends” sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m blessed with family and friends!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, January 6th, 2022.

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, January 6th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m blessed with family and friends!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Don’t overload yourself this new year.  Perhaps broad resolutions are better than specific ones.  One of my family members tells that last year, she had resolved to get better sleep.  At the end of the year she felt like she had made strides in that direction.  That’s great!  One of my favorite things to remind myself and others is, “Baby steps count!”  Moving forward in the right direction is sometimes all that matters. 

I’m resolving to get more stories, recipes and other fun and inspiring things coming your way in 2023.  While you wait, “Life With Smuffy” and my “Laugh” pages and start your year off with joy and laughter.

2022’s Final Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I’m playing just a bit of catch-up here because, though we say we’re the ones who never get sick, it happened.  The crud hit the house and Pookie’s house as well and the First Friday Freebie isn’t the only thing suffering delay.  Christmas got bumped as well.  But we’re going strong once again and I hope that you are also and that you are having a Happy New Year!

Let’s meet the latest winner  –

December 2022 Freebie Winner

Francine from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Francine!  I’m glad the delivery of the freebie was not delayed, so these lovely, festive kitchen towels made to you in plenty of time to spruce up your kitchen ahead of any Christmas festivities. 

Francine commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 most recent 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.  What can be better in today’s economy?

Coming up on January 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, January 6th, 2023.

As I mentioned in November, I had asked God to help me see the beauty in winter.  I smile that He has made it easy on me so far by giving the blessing of mild temperatures.  Although it turned cold again today, we eased out of the old year and into the new with warmth and time outside.  Smuffy has been doing the things Smuffy does in the back yard and yesterday I took Lil’ Snookie out for a romp and we ran around and kicked the ball like spring lambs. (Actually, I ‘ve never seen spring lambs kick balls, but you get the idea.)  The Midwest has got to show its true colors sooner or later, but I’ll cross that icy bridge when I come to it.

A Christmas Freebie for You!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 13 Comments

Welcome to December!  (As if I am in charge of December.  If I were, we’d have some changes in the usual temps and precips.)

The fabulous upside to this month, of course, is the celebration of Christmas!  Another thing I’m celebrating is being married to Smuffy (today is our anniversary).  To top it all off, it’s the first Friday of the month so today you can enter to win the First Friday Freebie.  Let’s take a peek at it –

Christmas Kitchen Towels www.midweststoryteller.com

There are always a few more people around during the holiday season and things need to be freshened up.  A few new linens help brighten up the kitchen and these towels from Robert Stanley Home Collection will do just that.  Each of the four towels measures 16”X26”.  One has a Christmas tree farm theme which coordinates with the green and white checked towel and two are solid and embroidered with white snowflakes.  Once again, these were Hobby Lobby finds that I hope you enjoy. 

To enter to win the holiday towel sets, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, December 2nd, 2022.

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, December 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Make my kitchen Christmasy!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Make a promise to yourself to slow down, simplify the days ahead, celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and savor the love of those around you and the love that came down to that stable in Bethlehem so that you could have joy and peace! 

I’m working on a couple of Smuffy stories for you and his tale of Christmas past is a real doozy so stay tuned!  In case you’ve fallen behind, take a trip to my “Life With Smuffy” page and catch up on the laughter and thrills.

Meet November’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

It’s cold.  I always try to do my part by warming your heart with a gift every month with my First Friday Freebie.  This month my freebie didn’t have to work too much because it traveled to a much warmer home.

Let’s meet the winner  –

Sally from Chino Valley, Arizona. 

Congratulations, Sally!  I hope that, as the freebie says, you are “happy and blessed” by it.  The embossed metal sign expressing gratitude was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Sally commented as directed on my post on the first Friday of the 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 what Sally 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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

Coming up on December 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, December 2nd, 2022.

As I mentioned last month, I have taken a bold step.  I have asked God to help me see the beauty in winter.  Aside from thinking that falling snow is pretty, I’ve pretty much failed at this for a very long time.  There will be the same amount of frozen precipitation whichever mood I’m in and no amount of silent disgust on my part will move the thermometer, so I’m trying to make friends with it.  However, my past failures have shown me that I’ll be needing help of a Divine nature.  Either that, or I’m going to have to go visit Sally and stay for four months!

Be Blessed with a First Friday Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

Oh, that November could hold on just as it is, I say as I sit here at the computer at night with the windows open.  That’s right – and I’m not even wearing a sweater.  This is my idea of fall.

I lingered outdoors with Phoebe June, but finally had to come in and finish this post so you could have a First Friday Freebie!  Don’t take it personally, but she hissed when I nudged her out of her dusky spying lair under the backyard swing. I don’t think she thought giving you a freebie was half as important as exercising her pouncabilities. Let’s take a look –

Gather, Rest, be happy & BLESSED www.midweststoryteller.com

This embossed metal sign carries the message that our hearts long for.  Smuffy has so often said, “This year, I’m going to take a long winter’s nap.”  (Then, he has a million indoor projects and never really gets one.)  We feel things beginning to slow a bit around here even though there is still much to be done to this old house.  To “gather, rest, be happy and blessed” is, I believe, what God wants for us in winter.  I couldn’t resist giving you this freebie as a wish that you’d experience a time of enjoying your loved ones, resting and relaxing and counting your blessings, realizing that they are truly new every morning.

The sign measures 8” square and its neutral gray color fades at the edges to look just a bit worn.  It also features a rope hanger should you want to hang it on a wall rather than prop it on a shelf or easel (or on a tree as I did). This was a Hobby Lobby find that I hope you enjoy.  The words remind me of the Scripture in Hebrews 4: 10-11, where we are told,  “For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter His rest.”  Throughout Scripture, we are told to fear not, fret not, and worry not.  There seems to be just this one area in which God tells us to strive and make effort and that is to rest.  You have His permission!

To enter to win the “Gather, Rest…” metal sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest.”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, November 4th, 2022.

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, November 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready to be blessed with rest!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy enjoy every minute of these fleeting beautiful days.

Be sure to take a look at my latest soup recipe – it’s Lil’ Snookie’s favorite!

October’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I’ve spent most of my days lately taking Lil’ Snookie to the park as we try to relish every bit of warmth and sunshine before it’s all over.  I’ve checked both versions of the almanac and they both assure me that come the end of this month, it’s all over.  I did take time to get my First Friday Freebie to its new home, though.

Let’s take a look at the winner  –

October's Freebie Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Ruby from Boonville, Missouri. 

Congratulations, Ruby!  I know you love to decorate and you also have fun kiddos around, so it won’t be long before you have some fun décor or a great photo to slip into the holder at the top of this wood block.  It was a great find at Hobby Lobby.

Ruby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  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 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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On November 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, November 4th, 2022.

November has managed to stay on my good side so far.  Warm days with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s and glorious color all around draw me outside and away from indoor chores (and from writing to you dear readers if I’m honest).  I may have to take a firm line with this month if it suddenly decides to disappoint me, but I may be wasting my energies there.  Today I did ask the Lord to perform a miracle in my life by requesting that He help me see the beauty in winter.  Perhaps being open to that notion is the first baby-step for a person like me.

There’s a Nip and a Freebie in the Air!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Hello Dear Readers and Hello October!  A person can’t get too many days like the ones we’ve been having.  I’ve been spending as much time with Lil’ Snookie out in the open spaces as I possibly can.  Now his first question when he arrives at my door is, “Going to the park today?”  And so, off we go!  The only one who is unhappy is Phoebe June, who would much rather we stay home and play in the back yard because she can then go out with us.  She’s a little disgruntled and insulted about the harness because it inhibits her ability to consider herself fully free and “on the hunt”, but she can’t have her way all the time.  She has plenty to say on her own page here.

Speaking of free – Today’s the day!  Welcome to October’s First Friday Freebie.

You know how I love to bless you with a spot of cute décor –

Give Thanks Hobby Lobby Decor www.midweststoryteller

At this time of year especially, it does the soul good to stop and take stock of all the ways you’ve been blessed throughout the year and offer up thanks to the Giver of all good things.  This painted wooden tabletop décor measures approximately 3” X 6” and encourages us to “in all things give thanks”.  It’s about an inch thick so it won’t easily topple and at the top you can insert something as a nod to any season (as I did with the leaves in the photo) or just insert that great photo of the people you’re most thankful for.  If you happen to be a lover of Scripture, this will also serve to remind you of I Thessalonians 5:18.  This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it. 

To enter to win the Give Thanks décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I have much to be grateful for!”  Somehow, we can all say that, even if we have been having our share of troubles lately.  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, October 7th, 2022.

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.

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

I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to 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 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “I have much to be grateful for!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity.  Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in.  I hope you can, too.

Meet the Freebie Winners!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

This post is where you get to see me playing catch-up.  Life has happened and it’s been a struggle to keep up here on the blog this summer, but the First Friday Freebies have not stopped – I’ve just had an issue with making the announcements.  Let’s take a look at who’s been winning  –

Summer Freebie Winners www.midweststoryteller.com

Now for my list of lame excuses. 

In June, Lee Ann entered to win and received the pretty “beachy” necklace you can see here.  In her defense, she did send me a photo.  However, it has vanished so I’m assuming I somehow deleted it by accident.

July’s winner, Vikki, has not sent me a photo.  She won the sparkly patriotic earrings you can see here.  I know her well enough to guess that she probably hoped I’d forget about the photo as she’s not fond of “making appearances”.  I can, however, get around this because of her status as a previous winner.  Here she is with the comfy-cozy scarf she won on another first Friday.

August was a bust.  We had router problems which held hands with server problems and during the days I should have been preparing and posting the August First Friday Freebie we had cyber chaos.  I started to get all frantic about it and finally just took a deep breath and made peace with the fact that stuff happens and if there was no August freebie, the world would keep on turning.

In September, the First Friday Freebie went to Debby (pictured above) and I did get a photo.  Congratulations, Debby!  I hope you enjoy this fun bit of harvest décor and find a place in your home to display it.  It was a fun find at Hobby Lobby.

Well now!  I’m starting to feel like I’m getting back on track!  Let’s hope it stays that way because the busy season is upon us.  I enjoy blessing my readers with free gifts and also the gift of good laughs and good food, so look for some great recipes and a couple of tales from the most popular page on my blog, Life With Smuffy coming up soon.

Lee Ann, Vikki and Debby won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  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 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.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On October 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.  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, October 7th, 2022.

October is a month of autumn splendor.  If you live in the Midwest, October makes you feel a bit sorry for the folks who live where the seasons don’t change – those people who just enjoy day after day in the same old tropical paradise.  That sympathetic feeling leaves us usually around January 2nd.

Freebies Return for Fall!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Just the little flip of the calendar from August to September makes you want to sniff the air for the scent of pumpkin “something”.  We’re actually trying not to sniff too hard right now around our house because our great outdoors is not so great.  “Something” is out there.  We don’t know what it is or where it is, but we do know it’s dead.  I have been informed by Lil’ Snookie that he “smell sumping.  I don’t like it.”  We may have to diffuse pumpkin spice scent all over our back yard pretty soon. 

Now that I’ve gone unpleasantly off-topic, let’s get back to Freebies.  Last month’s first Friday fell victim to circumstances.  The internet went off, the router suffered the same fate as that mysterious carcass (blessedly without the stench) and Lil’ Snookie didn’t allow me the hours I needed to sort the whole thing out in time to post the First Friday Freebie.  Again – my apologies.

I’m here to help you get back in the mood with this bit of cute décor –

Autumn Acres Sign www.midweststoryteller.com

This Autumn Acres sign will direct people straight to your pumpkin patch.  It measures 6” X 4” so it’s small enough to tuck into a shelf or prop on an easel on your desk or counter.  It does have an attached twine to hang it on the wall as well.  Does it matter that you may not be offering apple cider, hay rides and hot cocoa to your guests?  Of course not – we can all pretend. 

This was a great find at Hobby Lobby and I hope you enjoy it. 

To enter to win the Autumn Acres sign, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Bring on the autumn days!”  We’re ready for them here in the Midwest – it’s been a long, hot summer.  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, September 2nd, 2022.

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.

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

I hope you enjoy freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to 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 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “Bring on the autumn days!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Oh that we could spend each and every glorious day ahead just taking walks and enjoying lower temperatures and humidity.  Smuffy is building a porch and I have many irons in the fire as well but we plan to snatch every pleasant moment ahead before winter sets in.  I hope you can, too.

April’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

I’m happy to announce this month’s winner   –

Freebie Winner Linda midweststoryteller.com

Linda from Boonville, Missouri!

Congratulations, Linda!

Linda won the “He is Risen” word art and I know she’ll use it to express her faith in this Truth whether she leaves the wood raw or decides to paint it.    

I hope you enjoyed this décor, Linda, as you celebrated the season.  Linda won by commenting as directed on my post on the first Friday of the month.  The bracelet is a great find from Hobby Lobby.  If you’d like to see past winners and their gifts check it out here on my Freebies! page.

You can see the original 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 all 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.  There’s a whole world of folks out there who are going around “Smuffy-less”, perhaps because you haven’t shared.  Don’t cry – just tell them!  Join me in sharing his stories and all my recipes and other fun and informative articles here. When you share with all your friends via MeWe, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Let’s be clear – Smuffy is spoken for, but his stories are free.  Does it get any better than this?

On May 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 might 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 6th, 2022.

Next up:  Some things are only funny with the passage of time.  Certain Smuffy tales have to brew for a while.  

It’s a Freebie and I’m NOT Foolin’!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

Let’s be nice and call it April Gotcha Day.  It just sounds better and besides, you probably really like the person you’re about to subject to the gullibility test.

My First Friday Freebie, however, is the real deal (in more ways than one) – 

He Is Risen Word Art www.midweststoryteller.com

I know that a great majority of my readers look forward to celebrating Resurrection Day soon.  This year it falls on April 17th.  I thought this bit of word art would be a blessing and add a great touch to your seasonal décor as this holiday tends to be another that gets overloaded with “fluff” and we need a reminder of the Reason for the season.  It’s a great find from Hobby Lobby.

This wooden reminder of why we celebrate measures 10” wide at the base and is 5” tall and ¾” in depth.  The surface of the letters is raw wood and can be left as is or painted in a fun spring color to match the rest of your décor.  The dark edge treatment makes the statement stand out.

To enter to win the “He is Risen” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying exactly that, “He is Risen!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, April 1, 2022.

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.

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

I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to 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, April 1st, by leaving a comment which says, “He is Risen!”

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Take joy in the Good News and celebrate it along with every fresh, new spring day that lies ahead.  They are gifts that remind us that we have a hope and a future. The world and all its problems we hear on the news every day are in Good Hands.

Do you have a favorite way to celebrate?  Leave a comment – I’d love to hear how your family makes the day special.

Another Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

My apologies for running late with this announcement.  Not only did I fall behind a bit, but our winner has been under the weather (though I doubt the weather had anything to do with it) and getting it to her and getting a photo has had its challenges.

She was kind enough to snap a picture of her First Friday Freebie in its new home and send it to me, so let’s congratulate and extend get well wishes to –

Liz from Boonville, Missouri!

Liz often enters to win and has been a previous winner, so if you want to meet her, just check out all the past winners and their gifts here on my Freebies! page.

The “Then Sings My Soul” box-style décor is a Hobby Lobby find and you can see the original freebie offer, here. 

If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Look for the subscription area.  It’s easy to find on the “CONTACT” page and after subscribing, confirm your subscription when the confirmation email arrives in your inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

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

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

Freebies help me reach more people with my stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Are you catching on this is a free thing?

Coming soon:  September’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, September 3rd.   You’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day.  Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.

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

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

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, September 3rd, 2021. 

A lot of people say, “I never win anything!”  I’d love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and tell me the best thing you’ve ever won.   

A Summer Freebie for Your Soul!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

Welcome to August!  (I say that like I’m hosting the month personally.)  Actually, I’m missing out on a lot of it due to the Big Kitchen Crunch, but that has nothing to do with Freebies unless you count the fact that it’s forcing me to do this post past my bedtime.

Yes, it’s the First Friday and that means that commenting as directed in this post will enter you to win my August Freebie.  Let’s take a look at it.

Then Sings My Soul Freebie www.midweststoryteller.com

This black and white wooden décor will look great on your table or tucked into a shelf.  It measures 4.875” X 7.375” including the knob on top and if you’re up on your old hymns, it reminds of that famous one, “How Great Thou Art”.  The little damask print bit of stenciled art at the left adds just the right touch and I think it will look great year round as well as with all your upcoming fall decorations.  It’s a Hobby Lobby find, because, as you may have noticed, I can’t stay out of that place.

To enter to win the “Then Sings My Soul” décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying just that, “Then Sings My Soul”.  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, August 6th, 2021.

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.

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

I hope you get excited about winning freebies and share them and my blog stories with your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to 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, August 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Then Sings My Soul”. 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Summer’s winding down.  Enjoy every minute of warmth and bloom.

Meet July’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

If you are in the Midwest, I hope you’re a heat and humidity lover or are blessed to stay in and enjoy some air conditioning.  Our air conditioning went out recently and replacement parts were never more welcome.  One thing you can enjoy in this weather is a First Friday Freebie, so let’s meet the winner –

First Friday Freebie Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri!

Congratulations, Ginger!  Ginger enters to win on a regular basis so it’s no surprise that she’s happened to win more than one of my First Friday Freebies.  Take a look at the inset photo and you’ll see she’s not the only one enjoying it.  She used it to decorate the front door of her chicken coop and now all her “ladies” are simply cackling with delight over their new decor.

You can see all the past winners and their gifts here on my Freebies! page.

The bright red metal flower Ginger just won is a Hobby Lobby find and you can see the original freebie offer, here. 

If you’re not yet a subscriber to Midwest Storyteller they might entice you to become one – First Friday Freebies are for email subscribers only.

Ginger’s been a subscriber ever since the beginning of this blog.  She became one by entering her email in the subscription area here on the blog and then confirmed her subscription when the confirmation email arrived in her inbox.  If you’ve done that and not received a confirmation email, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com – it seems that from time to time, a subscription will get “stuck”. 

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

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

Freebies help me reach more people with my stories, recipes and more.  When you share with all your friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you’ll give them the opportunity to subscribe and win also.  Subscribing is free.  Freebies are free.  Are you catching on this is a free thing?

Coming soon:  August’s First Friday Freebie – that takes place on Friday, August 6th.   You’ll see a photo of the Freebie and you can enter to win at any point all day that day.  Don’t forget to check the email that you used to subscribe for notification that you’ve won.

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

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

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

These four simple steps will have you ready to enter to win on Friday, August 6th, 2021. 

A lot of people say, “I never win anything!”  I’d love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and tell me the best thing you’ve ever won.   

Celebrating Freedom and a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 10 Comments

Since Smuffy shares a birthday with the greatest country on earth, things will be busy for me in the next couple of days.  So, let me take this First Friday Freebie post to also wish you a Happy & Free Independence Day! (And, Happy Birthday, Smuffy!)  I invite you to make this Sunday more than a great time for family and fireworks.  Spend some time with those you love celebrating the real meaning of what it means to be an American and the brilliance and freedoms established and granted to us by our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  These are short documents, but do we know what’s in them?  We are a country of political will and ideals that are not found anywhere else on earth. 

If I may quote Ronald Reagan from a 1988 speech –

“America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, ‘You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France to live and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won’t become a German or a Turk.’ But then he added, ‘Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.'”

I just heard some early fireworks going off outside as I finished typing that quote, as if to punctuate this truth.

Now, remembering that today is the first Friday of the month, let’s take a look at your Freebie.

The Spring Shop Red Daisy www.midweststoryteller.com

This bright red metal daisy with its sunny yellow center from The Spring Shop shouts of summer and also of the fact that I’ve been roaming around Hobby Lobby again.  It measures 8.75” across and is ½” deep.  My first thought how this would make your garden area pop if hung on a fence.  Then, I quickly realized that it would look great inside the house as well, adding a little summer to any room.  Kitchen, kids’ room, porch – anywhere that bit of red to catch the eye is needed.

To enter to win the red metal daisy, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love freedom and a freebie!”  You’ll need to do that before midnight TONIGHT, July 2nd, 2021.

NOTE:  There seems to be an occasional problem with subscribers not receiving confirmation emails.  If this happens, please email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com so that I can report it and have the issue resolved.

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

I love it when people enjoy my blog stories and recipes and get excited about winning freebies.  Share with all your friends and family through all your social media. If you like an idea, recipe or story you see here, be sure to hover over the photo and “pin it”.  Help me get the word out!

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, July 2nd by leaving a comment which says, “I love freedom and a freebie!” 

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here. 

Why not subscribe and confirm right now before you forget?

Do you have special Independence Day traditions?  Leave a comment and let me know how you make the day special.