Stories from Before.....: Recent Episodes

Selina Kadell

Short stories from before today; from forgotten authors with once vibrant but now silent voices. Stories from "The Girl's Own Annual" of the late 1800's and early 1900's. Read by permission of the Lutterworth Press. Theme music "A Moment in Time" by Stacey Weir. A podcast by Selina Kadell.

View Details

A collection of anecdotal jokes and witticisms that play on the nuances and pronunciation of the English language.

Written Anonymous.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by the Talented Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This sweet and uplifting Christmas story reminds us that when we are open to the insight and wisdom of children, Life can become beautiful again.

Written Mary Richardson.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.
Sound effects courtesy of SoundBible.com and Pixabay.com

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This compassionate and moving story is actually a Christmas story but as the Southern Hemisphere has just welcomed the start of their winter, it feels appropriate to share it with you - especially as compassion is always fitting and heart-warming - not, just seasonal.

Written Rene Mansfield.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's piece is something a little different and also a 'one-off'.
It is an interview with Thomas A. Edison - the Mechanical Inventor.

Written Thomas A. Edison.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's piece is a travelog - a lovely stroll through a well known and scenic part of Germany.
The original text was printed with thirteen beautiful sketches drawn by the author.

Written Maude Angell.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week Pamela & Thomas demonstrate how playful banter and jest - although fun and plays a wonderful role in relationships - can at times, divert attention and disguise what truly needs to be said in earnest and sincerity.

N.B. please be aware this story does contain a "wife beating" comment, that although is made lightly and as a joke, may trigger some listeners.

Written Mariel Brady.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.
Sound effects courtesy of SoundBible.com

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's piece is a poignant and interesting take on retirement and how the elders of society were viewed by the younger members of the time - at least, in this author's opinion.

Written by An Old Fashioned Person
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's piece was a request by the Editor of the Girl's Own Annualof Miss A.A. Heap, the head of the Women Telephonists in London during WWI, to provide business advice to young women.

Written A. A. Heap
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

In this week's story we journey with Will & Bess as they give us a glimpse into some of the issues that may arise when transitioning from a Full House to Empty Nest.

Written John Barton Oxford.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This is an engaging story of the humbling and "Getting of Wisdom" of Helen assisted with the loyalty of Cousin Matilda and the wisdom and love of Hartley.

Written Helen Ormsby.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This gentle sermon or homily style Easter offering certainly is thought provoking. Although the language may be a little different, the sentiment still ring true throughout all of time.

Written Anne Bryan McCall.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This lovely, gentle love story speaks of pride, mistakes, deep hurt and the heart changes that can take place over the passage of time.

Written Carrington Phelps.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A truly interesting piece that could have been delivered as a lecture or an oration on the benefits of women's chattering. Most enlightening!

Written Ida M Tarbell.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's story is in the form of a monologue, in the voice of the local town gossip and in the body of the village dressmaker. May it put a smile on your face and provide some chuckles for your day.

Written by May Isabel Fisk.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week, we have again, two short pieces - the first considered a "fragment" - written to encourage those who are presently facing adversity and the second, illustrating with a bit of  ingenuity how a simple household item can be a marvelous remedy to many situations.

Written by 'Anonymous' and W. Rhodes, respectively.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A curious story of how a root of annoyance once "re-framed" and experienced from a different perspective can instead become a source of joy and affection.

Written by Mary Stewart Cutting.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

This week's episode is a spirited opinion piece - possibly even a speech delivered at Ladies Meeting or fund raiser.

The language may be of over a century ago, but the sentiment still rings true.

Written by "An Old Fashioned Person".
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A story regarding the sacred places we can hold dear in our lives and the anguish it may cause when having to unexpectedly move on.

Written by Cornelia A.P. Comer.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

Instead of a short story this week, two short pieces have been selected in a slight nod to Valentine's Day.

One, an advice article by a popular author of the time and the other a satirical light-hearted bit. These type of items filled the magazines of the late 1880s and early to mid 1900s.

Written by Temple Bailey and Jessie Beattie, respectively.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A story depicting that familiar childhood occurrence of an adventurous mishap becoming a source of upset due to adult mishandling, but all is smoothed over in the end.

Written by Rose Beattie.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of The Lutterworth Press.
Music by Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A pleasing story of prejudice, suspicion and loneliness that is overcome and remedied by happen stance and a small child with blancmange and cake.

Written by Annie Hamilton Donnell
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

A charming example of what we can encounter and experience if we have the courage and take the time to explore our surroundings - both near and afar.

When was the last time you took a detour and had an adventure...?

Written by Jessie Jeanes
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir  I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

Thanks to Barbara and Muriel, this story is a reminder of our resilience and resourcefulness when faced with difficulties.

When things are their bleakest is when our true spirit emerges - and of those around us.

Written by Eleanor H. Porter
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir  I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before.....

View Details

An illustration of how our heart's desires affect us physically - both positively and negatively. Also, the harbouring of  grudges can have tragic consequences if not resolved in time.

There are many layers to this story. I which ones will speak to you?

Written by Bessie R. Hoover
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

Do you name your companion items or know someone who does? This whimsical story is rather enchanting and takes us on the adventures of Ann - and Anthony.

Written by Muriel Clarke
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

A charming Christmas story that reminds us of what is really important - and not just at Christmas time, but especially so, then. It lightly touches on what the Christmas experience can be for different family members, but particularly, mothers.

Written by Zona Gale
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

A heart warming and joyous Christmas story. A poignant reminder of the importance of our relationships and our bonds of affection - especially during this precious season.
George learns a valuable lesson with the assistance of his sweet grandson, Billy and wise daughter, Isabel.

Written by Helen Ward Banks
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

A lovely Christmas story from 1915.
Escaping to a farm at Christmas, spending time in nature and all that it has to offer at this magical time of year sounds like a delightful option as recounted in this "memory".
Something a little bit different.

Written by Anne O'Hagan
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Theme Music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

A sweet story about sight, vision and bonds of affection that unfolds gently and in some respects is almost parable-like. 

Spending time in David’s world is enlightening and one of curious synchronicity – they way life so often works.   

Written by Zona Gale
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press
Beautiful Theme music by the talented Stacey Weir

I hope you enjoy this week's Stories from Before....

View Details

A delightful and tongue-in-cheek story of a young nephew's relationship throughout his childhood and early youth with his deceased aunt and "her ups and downs in the world" via her embodiment of a oil painting. Something a little different.

Written by Rebecca H. Eastman.
Read by Selina Kadell by permission of the Lutterworth Press.
Beautiful theme music by the talented Stacey Weir.

I hope you enjoy this first Stories from Before....

View Details

Introduction to the podcast, the reason behind it and what to expect.
Stories from the Girl's Own Annual read by permission from the Lutterworth Press.
Beautiful theme music by the talented Stacey Weir.