Monthly Giveaway

Spring Forward and Grab a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

It is March at last and spring is only a couple of weeks away. My First Friday Freebie, however, has already arrived! Unlike spring, it only lasts for a day, so read on and spring into action!

Although we’ll be celebrating the Resurrection in April, I wanted to offer this little gift early so that you could have it in time to incorporate it into your seasonal décor.  Take a look.

He's Alive Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

This wooden décor is a Hobby Lobby find that reminds us of the reason for the season. The horizontal grooves give a nod to shiplap and the attached wooden Cross gives a 3D effect. It measures 5” X 5” and is a reverse tray design, so it will sit or hang easily as it declares, “He’s Alive and I’m Forgiven”.

I don’t mind a few bunnies and eggs around in celebration of the new life that springs forth at this time of year, but most importantly, I love to celebrate “new life” in its grandest meaning.

To enter to win the forgiven décor, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber if you haven’t already done so. The “SUBSCRIBE” button should be floating along as you scroll this page. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Celebrate the Greatest Gift!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.  Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Celebrate the Greatest Gift!”

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

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, March 6th!

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Regardless as to whether you are Irish, (after all, he wasn’t), it’s a great time to commemorate such a man who had nothing to do with shamrocks, good luck and green beer. I’m looking forward to teaching Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles the real story of how the gospel was spread through Ireland by someone who had no desire to be there!  Curious?  I’ll tell you all about it on the big day.

Do you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?  Leave a comment and tell me how!

Not Tired of Winning!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ Leave a comment

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

February Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations, Liz from Boonville, Missouri!

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

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

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

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

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

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

It’s Freebie Day? Gotta Love it!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

February has come to be known as the month of love.  Often, if focuses on either romantic attachments (take your sweetie out for dinner and include roses and chocolates) or the fun of children have when we teach them to make and give classmates, friends and parents a handmade expression of “You’re special to me.”

Often, the former overshadows the most important form of love in our lives – our family.  I realize that not everyone reading this has pleasant family memories that evoke feelings of love, but we all do have the opportunity to build or repair family relationships that will someday give us new memories – beautiful ones.

My Valentine to you this month focuses on family love. Take a look.

Family Love Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

This standing wooden décor by Willow Spring will remind those in your home that family is “WHERE LIFE BEGINS AND LOVE NEVER ENDS”.  It measures 6 ¾” at its widest point and the same in height. Its gray background allows you to display it in all seasons. A one inch thickness allows you to stand it on a table or shelf and the reverse tray design lets you hang it on the wall as well.

To enter to win the family love décor, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber if you haven’t already done so. Just hit the subscribe button – usually found in the lower right of your screen. You’ll get an email and you’ll need to open that and confirm your subscription. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Family love is the best!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.  Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 6th by leaving a comment which says, “Family love is the best!”

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

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, February 6th!

Valentine’s Day is a week away and I know I need to gather my supplies and get ready for the fun.  I’ll be up to my eyebrows in paper, glue and creativity this coming week and Lil’ Snookie, Fruity Pebbles and I make as many Valentines as we can.

What is your favorite simple way to make someone feel special on Valentine’s Day? Leave me a comment – I need your ideas!

Freebie Winners Galore!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Take a look at who’s been winning –

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

Congratulations, Everyone!

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

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

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

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

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

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

Bundle Up: It’s Freebie Day!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 3 Comments

I glanced at the post for last month’s First Friday Freebie and saw that I had encouraged you to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasted. Well, of course, it didn’t – and now it’s time to bundle up and stay out of the cold. Lil’ Snookie and I played Monopoly this afternoon. I’ve never seen a five-year-old so good at it! Fruity Pebbles played the role of the catastrophic tornado that threatened to wipe out houses, hotels and pretty much the entire economy. We survived, but barely. And then we bundled them up and sent them home.

I bundled up a Christmas Freebie for the month of December. Let’s take a look –

The “All Is Calm – All Is Bright” wall hanging measures 13.5″ X 9.5″. It features a wood tone finish, shimmery lettering, snowflakes and hangs by a twine roping. The “Noel” piece of word art is wood with a metal overlay and features a wire hanger with a cute red plaid bow. In addition, I’ve included a Christmas Planner for you. Of course, if you’ve got yourself all organized for 2025, you can save it for next year as it is undated. I got multiples for myself as I thought these were handy-dandy! It measures 8.5″ X 5.5″ when closed so it slips nicely into your purse for shopping days or to keep handy when a good idea strikes or an event pops up. Spiral binding makes it lay flat and who doesn’t love that? I liked the features inside because they seemed so practical! It has two full calendar pages for November and December with a “To Do” column at the left of each. There are separate pages for gift lists for teachers, friends, significant others, plus one for gifts for the whole family and a wish list for yourself. Then, for each family member (up to eight) there’s a page for their wish list and below a grid to record gifts bought, the store, the price and boxes to check as to whether you’ve gotten them purchased and wrapped! This great for me, because every year I have the habit of losing at least one present and then finding it somewhere between Valentine’s Day and the first day of spring.

There are even plan sheets for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, plus a gift budget sheet and spending tracker. After all that, when you’re exhausted, you flip the page to the lists for Christmas books to read and movies to watch. You can track Christmas cards, thank you notes, guests lists for your events, food prep, grocery lists, menus and more.

I personally love to fly by the seat of my pants as I go through life, but I find that if I go by my natural inclinations, I end up in tears. Organizing myself is the only way I ever arrive at Christmas morning with my sanity and a smile – and I consider our holiday efforts small in comparison to many households!

The first thing you need to do in order to win the Christmas Bundle is to become an email subscriber HERE if you haven’t already done so. Once you’re a subscriber, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 5th by leaving a comment on this post, saying, “Merry Christmas, Midwest Storyteller!”

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

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, December 5th!

And remember, my new novel, “Hear My Whisper” is available now at Ozark Hollow Press as well as Barnes & Noble and Amazon . If you’re local, you can get a signed copy directly from me. Now wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present for yourself or someone on your list?

It’s Freebie Day!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

I don’t know what you did yesterday, but I hope you got to be outdoors. We had a beautiful day here and I grabbed the rake and took Lil’ Snookie and Fruity Pebbles outside. In no time at all we had a mountain of leaves to jump in and laughter and squeals rang through the neighborhood. Money can’t buy that kind of joy – it is, simultaneously, free and priceless. These are the times that make me truly thankful for the blessings God has poured into our lives.

My monthly First Friday Freebie, while it may not be priceless, is absolutely free! Let’s take a look –

Enter to Win Thankful Board https://midweststoryteller.com/

November brings a shift in weather, a change in color and exerts a special tug at the heart toward focusing on what’s most important. As we approach Thanksgiving, we tend to think about the real stuff of life rather than the stuff we can buy in stores.

This sturdy board mat is 15 inches in diameter. It’s actually intended to be a placemat, but in our house it would be a bit large if we put one at every place. It comes with its own wipe-off marker so that you can list something you are thankful for each day or at each meal. As soon as I saw it, I thought of a couple of ways to use it.

Propped on an easel, each family member can take a turn at the board, writing something they are thankful for in the blank. Or, how about just using one of these as the surprise placemat by having it show up at a different family member’s place at each meal? After they write what they’re thankful for, it can be propped back up for display until the next family member finds the surprise under their plate.

The first thing you need to do in order to win the board is to become an email subscriber HERE if you haven’t already done so. Once you’re a subscriber, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m thankful for ______________!” (and fill in the blank – I’d love to hear what you treasure most.)

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, November 7th by leaving a comment which says, “I’m thankful for ______________!”

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

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, November 7th!

And remember, my new novel, “Hear My Whisper” is available now at Ozark Hollow Press as well as Barnes & Noble and Amazon (although Amazon at this moment is only showing ebooks for some reason). And for those of you in my neck of the woods – if you see me out and about, you can get one directly from me.

Just Whisper “Freebie”!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

I pondered for a moment as to what my subscribers might enjoy having the opportunity to win for the month of October and then, in a flash of brilliance, I realized that I have a brand new novel out and you might just like one for the First Friday Freebie!  I’m quick like that.

Hear My Whisper Book Cover https://midweststoryteller.com/

Let me tempt you with this from the back of the book.

“And you can be certain of one thing, Abigail. I’m no angel.”

Julia Lansing stumbles into an embarrassing scandal when she’s discovered in a compromising position with a U. S. senator!

Though she’s innocent and it was all a misunderstanding, the shame burns. Matters are made worse later at dinner, when she seeks to hold her mother’s hand for moral support and finds herself holding a strange man’s hand by mistake! With mishaps abounding, how on earth is she meant to survive her trip to Savannah? Returning to her predictable life back home would be ideal—if it weren’t for the handsome Adam Cole. What is she meant to do about him?

Meanwhile, Beatrice Lansing, Julia’s mother, is expanding her business ventures in dress-making. With only a short amount of time to stay in Savannah, she’s striving to showcase her designs and build the network of employees and customers she came to create. Can she make her dreams come true, or will she return to Missouri empty-handed? And why is she receiving telegrams from her husband about explosions and replacing curtains?

Set against the backdrop of Savannah, Georgia and the small town of Morgan’s Landing, Missouri in 1904, Hear My Whisper, book one in the Morgan’s Landing series, invites you to follow Julia Lansing as she navigates the mores of a different city, state, social class, and the newfound interests of a young man (or two or three). Can she make the choice that’s best for her own happiness? Can her family succeed in the pursuit of their dreams? Or will it all come crashing down? 

To enter to win a free paperback copy of “Hear My Whisper”, the first book in my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series, the first thing you need to do is become an email subscriber HERE if you haven’t already done so. Then, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Can’t wait to curl up with a good book!”

Subscribing is FREE and First Friday Freebies are FREE – don’t you just love it?

Often I fail to invite you to follow Midwest Storyteller on Facebook HERE and on Instagram HERE, so check those out.

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, October 3rd by leaving a comment which says, “Can’t wait to curl up with a good book!”

And now, here are the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, October 3rd! “Hear My Whisper” is available for pre-order right now, so get all the details on that right here.

Another Freebie Winner

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Meet August’s winner –

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

Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Liz! 

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

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

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

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

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

On the Brink of Autumn with a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 7 Comments

It may still be sweltering where you live, but in my neighborhood, it is glorious.  The tilt of the earth may not indicate that autumn is quite here, but the temperatures have cooled and the humidity has left.  This has me in the mood for a fall-ish First Friday Freebie, so let’s take a look at September’s free gift.

Autumn Kitchen Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

These pretty dish scrubbers and trivets will make your kitchen welcoming for your guests this fall.  The 2-pack of scrubbers are 100% polyester, measure 12” X 12”, and have the mesh “scrubby material” on the reverse side.  The 2-pack of trivets are also 100% polyester and measure 8” in diameter.  They are nice an thick like a heavy placemat would be.  Both are from Perfect Harvest.

To enter to win the autumn kitchen set, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Autumn leaves and cool days, please!”

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, September 5th by leaving a comment which says, “Autumn leaves and cool days, please!”

And now, here are the complete First Friday Freebie Rules by clicking HERE.

Don’t delay.  You know you’ll forget if you don’t enter now!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, September 5th!

Stay tuned – I just received the final proof of the book cover for Book 1 in the “Morgan’s Landing” series and I’ll be giving you a sneak peek at it as soon as my publisher gives me the word.

Welcome to August and its Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

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

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

Freebie Welcome Home https://midweststoryteller.com/

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

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

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

Once again, a winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight by leaving a comment which says, “There’s no place like home.”

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

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

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

May’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Meet May’s winner –

Elise from Sterling, Illinois.

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

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

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

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

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

Trying to subscribe?  Here are a couple of tips –     

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

The Land of the Free (and the Freebie)!

~ Midwest Storyteller

I’d like, first of all, to shout out two big Happy Birthdays!  Today is Smuffy’s birthday and he has always been proud to share it with the good ‘ole USA.  This year is extra special because it kicks off a full year of celebration of our country’s 250th year as a nation. 

It’s so easy to fall into the habit of asking, “What are you doing on ‘the 4th?'”  Every month has one of those, after all.  I hope you truly celebrate the independence of our nation with the kiddies, the grand-kiddos, the cousins, in-laws and others that you love and I hope that you remember to refer to it as Independence Day.

Yes, Smuffy is my Yankee Doodle sweetheart and my Yankee Doodle joy. (That’s something you’ll only get if you like old musicals.)  I think Smuffy must have been nearly twelve years old by the time he realized the whole nation wasn’t having one big wing-ding all on his account.

When I married Smuffy, I had to get used to the fact that we would be up close and personal with fireworks.  As I’ve said before, his guardian angels (and there must be a squadron) have to take care of things while I look the other way and hum the national anthem. I thought this fascination with things that go boom might temper through the years, but it seems that his son-in-law and now grandson are just as apt to blow things up as Smuffy is.

Each year, I give thanks that we come through it with all our fingers and toes and have survived celebrating the fact that we live in the finest nation on earth.  Let’s celebrate with July’s First Friday Freebie!

Several times, I’ve offered this Freebie for the month of July and I found myself pondering lately if I wasn’t overdoing it.  Then, it hit me – of all years, this is the most appropriate gift –

US Constitution www.midweststoryteller.com

The U. S. Constitution

Nobody’s perfect.  Nothing this side of Heaven is perfect.  But the U.S. Constitution is as near to a perfect document as has ever been crafted by humans (and, I believe, with Divine Guidance).  It is, in fact, who we are.  You can’t love America without loving the constitution!  It literally tells you who you are as a citizen and how the government is designed to protect you and yet leave you to express your own opinions, pursue your own goals and worship as you please.

Most of us studied it in school, but, let’s face it – we did it to pass the dreaded Constitution Test, not because we were overly fascinated by it.

I’d love to send you these three copies of the U.S. Constitution –

U. S. Constitutions https://midweststoryteller.com/

Give this little booklet another read!  Look around the world at all those other countries – don’t you wish they had our freedoms?  If nothing else makes it onto your summer reading list, make it this little forty page book. There is something special about being an American citizen and I think Ronald Reagan said it so well in a 1988 speech: 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.'”

There’s a copy for you, one for the kiddies (whether they be children or adults) and another for the grandkiddos.  If we do not teach the generations to value this precious document, we will lose it!

To enter to win all three copies, “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I love the USA!”

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

Previous freebies can be found on the “Freebies” page.   Take a look at the gifts subscribers have been winning.

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

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.: 

What are you waiting for?  Go!  Go!  Go!  Subscribe if you haven’t already, confirm and comment to enter before midnight tonight, July 4th! 

April’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Let’s meet April’s winner –

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

Carol from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Carol!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

First Friday Freebie – a Sample of Things to Come!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

May always brings warmth, flowers, and a perfect excuse to lay the indoor chores aside and head outside and make the world a more beautiful place by adding that one extra pot of blooms or trimming up a scraggly bush.  This month’s Freebie will give one of you an excuse to relax on the porch for a while. I’m giving you a free book!

Here it is  –

Well Versed 2019 www.midweststoryteller.com

If you saw my last post, you know that the first book in my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series is coming out soon – hopefully next month.  I’m excited about that, but there is much to be done in preparation for the upcoming books in the series.

When asked what comes next for me after the “Morgan’s Landing” series, my answer comes without a second thought.  I plan to write, in novel style, the true story of my Aunt Martha’s life.  I interviewed her extensively before she passed away and what a story! She and her husband were married for over 80 years (that is not a typo) and had a rare and special love story that needs to be told.

I told a small portion of it in a short story entitled, “The Brown Wedding Dress” which was published a few years ago in “Well-Versed”, the annual anthology of the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild.  This month, I am giving away a free copy of this book in order to give you a little taste of what you can look forward to after you finish the “Morgan’s Landing” series. If you don’t happen to be this month’s winner of the First Friday Freebie, you can also obtain this book on Amazon.

The 229 page book is a collection of poetry and prose written by various authors.  My story begins on page 139.  Various genres are included in the book, so I can’t promise you that each and every one will be your cup of tea, but I think you’ll enjoy “The Brown Wedding Dress”.

To enter to win the “Well Versed” anthology, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I do love a good book!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 2nd, 2025.

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.

You need to be an email subscriber to Midwest Storyteller before entering to win.  If you haven’t already subscribed, 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.

Smuffy and I have our own brand of romance on my “Life with Smuffy” page and you might enjoy my “Laugh!” page.

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, May 2nd, by leaving a comment which says, “I do love a good book!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

“The Brown Wedding Dress” is definitely a romance, but a bit more sober than most of the stories you find here.  I’m curious to know what genres you enjoy reading.  Please leave a comment and let me know.

Faith and a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

April is always so welcome.  It brings freshness and color back into our lives and gives us hope and a promise of pleasant days ahead.  Here we are at the first Friday, and that means there’s a Freebie for all my subscribers.

Here it is  –

Rhinestone Cross Jewelry Set https://midweststoryteller.com/

We’ll be celebrating the Resurrection a bit later this year than we sometimes do – on April 20th. I thought this gift would be just right for those who wanted to express their faith (and that I’d be able to get it to the winner in plenty of time).  This lovely Cross jewelry set allows you to wear it in various ways.  It includes stud earrings and two necklaces.  The shorter one features rhinestone cross alone and the longer one also has an attached chain which, like the chain holding the cross, has a rhinestone in each and every link.  The lengths of the three chains vary from 16” to 18” and can be extended an additional 3 inches. The Crosses themselves are about 1” in length.  I had a great deal of difficulty getting a photograph that shows it to best advantage because the whole thing is so sparkly that light bounced in every direction even with the flash turned off! 

To enter to win the Cross jewelry set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “He is risen!”  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, April 4th, 2025.

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.

Smuffy and I have our own brand of romance on my “Life with Smuffy” page and you might love my “Laugh!” page.  If cute felines make your heart go pitty-patter, head to my “Phoebe June” page and you’ll find a dose of catitude. .

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, April 4th, by leaving a comment which says, “He is risen!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy the spring days ahead and have a wonderful celebration of the world’s greatest event with your family and friends!

March’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

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

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

Let’s meet March’s winner –

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

Denise from Boonville, Missouri.

Congratulations, Denise!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

There’s a Spring Freebie in the Air!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 5 Comments

Here in the Midwest, March has come in like a lamb, turned fierce as a lion and is quickly becoming a lamb again.  March is psychotic like that.  However, the first Friday remains the first Friday, so there’s a Freebie for all my subscribers.

Here it is  –

Watering Can Decor www.midweststoryteller.com

Get into the spirit of spring with this pretty floral watering can décor. This painted wooden piece is 8 ¾” X 4 3/4” and will add a spring touch to any shelf or other display in your home. It is ¾” thick so it will stand on its own.  The cute “welcome” wooden tag dangles from a twine bow embellished with a pink bead. 

To enter to win the floral watering can décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “I’m ready for spring!”  I’m sure that’s not a statement many of you will object to making.  You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, March 7th, 2025.

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.

Smuffy and I have our own brand of romance on my “Life with Smuffy” page and you might love my “Laugh!” page.  If cute felines make your heart go pitty-patter, head to my “Phoebe June” page and you’ll find a dose of catitude. .

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, March 7th, by leaving a comment which says, “I’m ready for spring!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy the warmer days ahead.  Happy Spring!

I Do Love a Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Meeting February’s winner will warm your heart –

February Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Congratulations to Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

Don’t You Just Love a Freebie?

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

February is often called the Month of Love. There are many stories that claim to tell the story of Valentine and that makes it difficult to tell fact from fiction.  Some dislike the whole notion of Valentine’s Day if they aren’t in a relationship with that one special someone or if their special someone is reluctant to participate in a show of mush for a day.

I prefer to think of Valentine’s Day as a nudge from above to remind us to show anyone and everyone a bit of extra thoughtfulness and let them know that they are special to us.

My favorite story concerning Valentine tells of him being suddenly imprisoned for his faith. He feared that his loved ones would not know what had happened to him or where he might be. So, reaching out through the barred window of his cell, he plucked leaves from a trailing vine (which happened to be the shape we’ve come to know as a heart) and, with a pin, pierced holes in them to spell out “Your Valentine”.  One by one, he kept dropping them to the street below so that eventually, someone would notice them and those he loved would learn of his whereabouts. 

True or not – I love this story. It’s not one involving a love-struck couple, but one of sacrifice and bonded hearts. I think it helps us to look at Valentine’s Day as something more than just romance.

How about that?  You’ve gotten a free story to go along with your First Friday Freebie!

Let’s take a look  –

Choose Love First Friday Freebie https://midweststoryteller.com/

Display a little love in your home with this wooden sign encouraging you to “Choose Love”.  It measures 3 ¼ inches tall and 11 1/8 inches wide.  The floral letters are outlined in black to make them pop against the light wood grain look of the background. It hangs easily with the attached twine.

To enter to win the “Choose Love” wall décor, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Happy Month of Love!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, February 7th, 2025.

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.

Smuffy and I have our own brand of romance on my “Life with Smuffy” page and you might love my “Laugh!” page.  If cute felines make your heart go pitty-patter, head to my “Phoebe June” page and you’ll find a dose of catitude. .

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, February 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Happy Month of Love!”    

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Love you, Dear Readers!

The Latest Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

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

Let’s meet January’s winner –

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

Christine from Boonville, Missouri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

Scheming for a Better Year in 2025?

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 8 Comments

I hope you’re enjoying your new year and that you are filled with a sense of hope and expectation of better days ahead.

It’s time for my First Friday Freebie and one of you will win if you are an email subscriber and you take the time to enter to win.

Let’s take a look  –

Weekly Schemes https://midweststoryteller.com/

For some reason, even if the flipping of the calendar doesn’t prompt us to lose weight, exercise, read more books or keep in closer contact with friends and loved ones, it seems to prompt at least some degree of resolve to get better organized.  I’ll do my ever-so-small part to help you.

This “Weekly Schemes” pad and pen set lets you lay out the work week ahead of you so that you can better plan the things you need to tackle, the places you need to be or maybe even the honey-do list you’d like to make out to motivate that special someone.

I fantasized for a brief moment that I might receive one of these from Smuffy with instructions for me to fill out a sheet and hand it to him every week.  Somehow, I think that’s going to remain a fantasy.  His own project list is already full.

The pad itself measures 8 1/2 ” X 5″. I expected it to offer 52 sheets to carry you through the year, but no!  There are 70 sheets.  That could carry you well into the next year, but I confess that my first thought upon discovering this was that it would allow me to deal with those times when “life happens” and I have to rip off my best laid schemes when they gang aft agley, send them through the shredder, and make out a whole new plan.

Don’t blame me for that last sentence.  Robert Burns owns part of it.  You can read, “To a Mouse” (1785) unless, of course, you’re a wee sleekit cowrin tim-rous beastie.  If that’s too much for you, read “Oh!  The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss and remember, “Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.”

To enter to win the “Weekly Schemes” pad and pen set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Oh! The Places I’ll Go!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, January 3rd, 2025.

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.

Chase away the winter gloomies with my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  If you get snowed in, be sure to try out some great healthy recipes from my “Food Freedom” page.

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, January 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Oh! The Places I’ll Go!”    

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

Enjoy the bright, new path ahead.  Happy New Year!

December’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

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

Let’s meet –

December Freebie Winner https://midweststoryteller.com/

Ginger from Prairie Home, Missouri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

Have Yourself a Merry Little Freebie

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

I shiver as I type this, for I’ve just driven home from coaching my weekly Trim Healthy group session and there is a Midwestern chill in my bones.  It may not be officially winter here yet, but my thermometer did not get the memo.  It sneers a nasty 23 at me and, as if to ask me if I’d like to see what else it’s capable of, dares me to take a look at my app and see that it’ll register an ugly 18 by morning. 

It is officially the First Friday, however, and that means there’s a Freebie.

Let’s take a look  –

Freebie Kitchen Set https://midweststoryteller.com/

This festive kitchen set will put you in a cheery mood as you prepare all those holiday goodies and with company coming, it’s always nice to have a fresh, clean set on display.  There are two “Joy” potholders, one oven mitt reminding you that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and a matching drying mat.

To enter to win the holiday kitchen set, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, December 6th, 2024.

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

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

You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages.  If you need to de-stress a little in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, take a short break and enjoy yourself there.  If guests are coming ahead of the big day and you need a super simple meal that will knock their red and green socks off, try out my great recipe for “Creamy Leek Soup with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes” on my “Food Freedom” page.

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

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

A winner will be chosen at random from those subscribers who enter before midnight tonight, December 6th, by leaving a comment which says, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”  

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

As you celebrate the season ahead, have hope, take joy.  Be thankful for the loved ones you’ve been blessed to have in your life and hold them close.  Have a blessed December!

October:  Color (and a Freebie) Everywhere!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

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

August’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

Let’s meet –

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

Shirley from Boonville, Missouri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

It’s Never Too Hot for a Freebie!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 9 Comments

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

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

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

Wooden Sunflower Earrings https://midweststoryteller.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

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

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

June’s Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller

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

Let’s meet –

Liz the Winner www.midweststoryteller.com

Liz from Boonville, Missouri.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

May’s SURPRISED Freebie Winner!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smartphone reminders help.

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

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

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

Summertime is Freebie Time!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

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

A First Friday Freebie for May!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 6 Comments

My great hope has been that this post would make it to my subscribers at the right time and on the right day. My internet has been down and the fixers arrived and reported that wasps have some inexplicable desire to gnaw at fiber-optic cables and had done so to the one leading to my house. They repaired the nibbles and now my first-world problem is solved. That means there’s a freebie for you!

Beaded Charm Bracelet Freebie at midweststoryteller.com

 [Bracelet]

I usually find that May’s calendar is just about as packed as December’s. Everyone is out and about at one event or another. There are picnics, barbecues, bridal showers for all those June brides, graduations and vacations. I thought perhaps you needed a new accessory for some of these events. This gold-tone beaded bracelet is elasticized and features a charm-holder in the style of a safety pin (although the pin does not open). There are three rhinestone studded charms attached – a cross, a star and a heart. Since it is stretchy, it should fit most wrist sizes.

To enter to win the safety pin charm bracelet, all you need to do is “Leave a Comment” on this post, saying, “Charmed, I’m sure!” You’ll need to leave your comment before midnight TONIGHT, May 3rd, 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.

Subscribers often tell me how much they enjoy my humor non-fiction here at Midwest Storyteller. I am convinced that true family events provide the greatest stories possible and I love preserving all the things relatives have shared with me over the years. The clients I coach and others who just want to eat healthy food and be happy doing it love the recipes here.  However, no one will get to enjoy it all 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, May 3rd, by leaving a comment which says, “Charmed, I’m sure!”   

For the complete First Friday Freebie rules, click here.

If you’ve fallen behind, maybe it’s time to catch up by checking out all the tabs and exploring the pages here.  You’ll find plenty to smile about on my “Life with Smuffy” and “Laugh!” pages. Try a great recipe from my “Food Freedom” page.

Enjoy every day in May!