I'm in shock, I didn't know about your husband passing, in 911. Abby, I am sorry about your husband; I confess, l shed a few tears for you..... when you spoked about the ferry ride.....to ground zero, was beautifully said, and how you felt that day. The butterflies stories moved me too.😢😮❤❤
🦋 love that .. your husband was there. I have a similar story w/ my ex-husbands best friend with dragonflies. Day after he passed we drove an hour to visit his family and strangely kept seeing dragonflies on our windshield all the way there. Once we arrived at the house all the neighbors were gathered outside because of huge swarm of dragonflies outside the widows house- only! What’s interesting is that the friend and my ex are pilots so the dragonfly that looks like one, had a special meaning. I think our loved ones communicate when they can 💖. You’re building something special Abby. I admire your courage & strength. As a single mom dealing with home renovations & repairs I highly recommend a 2nd opinion whenever possible. You’ve come a long way. You’re almost there! 🍀
I truly believe the butterfly is a sign from your husband. My Dad was teased a lot about having a pocketful of dimes, very few other denominations, but since he has passed away, I find dimes on roadways, sidewalks, parking lots etc., and I automatically say "hi Dad"! It always seems to happen when I've got something to worry about or I'm in a special place...obviously I was close to my Dad. A similar thing happens with the passing of my husband...he was always whistling and it was good, so when I hear a similar sound, I say "I hear you" That was so thoughtful and loving of your children to give you those beautiful roses on Valentines Day. Keep the faith.
Aww, that's so sweet. I used to lead a workshop for widowed people called "signs and synchronicities" and it was just widowed people telling stories just like yours. It's amazing how common it is! Hugs to you. ☺️
Loved your butterfly story. Before my mother passed away, she told me that when I saw a dragonfly, it would be her way of letting me know she was with me. I saw dragonflies everywhere after her death. Living in the city, I rarely saw them before. My heart jumped every time I saw them, knowing my mother's spirit was there with me. This was just one of several experiences I had after her passing. ❤
I see eagles come out of nowhere. They will circle and just appear, since my husband passed over. He had a single eagle tattoo. One flew as I gave his eulogy outdoors, disappeared and returned during “our song” playing. Then reappeared as we released 99 Red balloons in his celebration of life! 7 years later and when I ask it will show! ❤ never ends.
And with that heartfelt story Abbie can I suggest --- The Monarch Cottage or --- The Butterfly Studio I am touched hearing your story. Sunshine and butterflies to you forever!
Your choice of music is deeply touching. It could be sad but also healing. I think it reveals that you are still healing after all this time. I dont know you, but for you to mention your husband in regard to the butterfly and Valentines Day, and other things you've said, makes me think you guts must have had one of those rare, magical relationships. I was a single mother to 3 daughters from a very young age and know the exhaustion of trying to be cheerful and strong for them when all you want to do is stay in bed and cry. Bless you for having the courage to undertake this new life. 🙏
Big virtual hug. I know how devastating the rock wall news is for you. Nothing is easy. But thankful for lovely flowers, your butterflies and Thomas your friend.
Yes the butterfly worked for a funeral home as an assistant and at the cemetery one daya yellow butterfly came to visit landed on the casket and went to see the wife two days later to help with paper work etc did an aftercare program and sitting in her kitchen a yellow butterfly landed on a shrub outside the window! Gave much relief to her ! For me the cardinals Joe whistled to the birds all the time till lots breathing issues But we had cruise by the house 6 months after he passed and two cardinals landed on front lawn where we were sitting when waiting for the hot rods drive by and I Parked the old truck out front !So felt it was Joe and his dad who passed when Joe was 8 years old and him showing him our favorite hobby ! Last week we was very warm day in southern ontario and I came out the back door and I heard a cardinal singing in the tree straight out the back door ! Was so wonderful to hear the sound of Like Joe whistling and stood out there for 10 mins watching and listening warms my heart ! Spring time he will be back again see this bird every year since Joe passed Feb 25th 2020 ! So he comes to remind me he is always close by ! Take your time write down all your options on the cliff ! And look back at each write down questions on each choice till what becomes clear to what You ! Need to do ! If taking down would a landscape company be willing to pay for some of the stone so they can sell it !Just a thought may help with the cost of removing the Cliff! Thank you for sharing your week !😀😍
Little Chloe is so cute!!! Her little doggie stretches at the end❤. You know, maybe you should wait one year on taking down the severed cliff. You could save more money for that, and maybe with a few more good rains this year, the rest of it will come down naturally. If not, you still had more time to get more funds together👍. Oh, and I am a believer in visits from the other side. I think you're right, that Butterfly was a sign, and on such a special day❤
When I lost my husband a huge rainbow came a bit after. That butterfly that followed you on the boat! So lucky you have Tomas to help. Your kids sent flowers! Glad you are better.
You are making such good progress. I can’t wait to see the cottage with a skylight…it will be magical! Perfect place to create. And your bedroom already looks fresher and so pretty. I had a similar butterfly experience after my mother passed in 1999. It was February, cold and snowy, and we took a drive up to Mt. Hood. I was grieving and just needed to get out of the house. The snow was too deep to go father so we turned around to head home. We pulled off the road to stretch our legs and I sat on a fallen log by an icy creek. Out of nowhere this pretty yellow/orange butterfly floated down and lit just a few inches from my shoulder for at least ten minutes. Then it slowly flitted up into the sky. It gave me chills, more than the snow 😅…but it was very comforting. My mom LOVED butterflies…she had several necklaces and pins featuring them. 🤷♀️ ❤🦋🪽
I suspect that butterfly isn't just coincidence. A few days ago memories of my mom, who died 3 decades ago, flooded like a damn bursting. I don't think about her very often, so I paid attention. Thoughts of her wouldn't subside. When I checked my phone, I noticed that a song came up in my feed. It was an oldie called, How Can I Tell You, by Yusuf Cat Stevens. I hadn't heard it in decades. Suddenly, I had the idea that my mom died on that day decades ago. I had completely forgotten her death date. I checked the calendar, and It was in fact the exact day of her departure. The tears that followed ripped through me like a 5 year old child. Not everything is a coincidence. Thanks for sharing because it validates that you're my kind of people, and I look forward to a yoga retreat at your chateau in the future.
Oh Dear a Butterfly means your angels are trying to relay messGe to you, it isnt by coincidence. Your husband was there with you and his mama. Blessings dear!! And Happy Valentines even if it is late! 💐💐💐💐
Things are moving along. Thomas is such a treasure. Love the quaint little town where you got the paint. Roses were beautiful from your kids. Happy Sunday, hope your week is productive! ❤
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. I have also been widowed. After my husband died I was asked if I would donate tissue and his corneas to an organization called Donate Life. I agreed, and shortly after they had a special event where the families were each given a live butterfly in a little paper envelope. At the same time we all released them. It was breathtaking. The butterflies were called Painted Ladies. I believe that is the kind of butterfly that visited you! ❤
I think the center is a good choice because of the windows on both sides. I wish Thomas would stay away from the edge with no railing. 😳I think the butterfly is a sign. 😍❤️❤️
I am for 1 skylight. I did this in my former house. From my experience get one that opens so that you can vent the hot air and get one that has an interior shade with UV filter glass. They can cause a lot of heat coming in through the glass.
Oh, my brother died in Ghana on 24th september last year! That day I sat in my daugters garden here in Denmark together with my daughter and suddenly a very big rare butterfly sat a long time just a meter from us. Later I found out my brother had died at that same time. And when I talked to my sister in law in Ghana she had been waiting outside, in the hospital grounds, for some blood for a transfusion for my brother, when she saw the same type of butterfly when they called her that the blood was not needed, as my brother had left this earth❤
Thank you for sharing those beautiful memories of your husband and the butterflies. He definitely came to see you on Valentines Day and your children are wonderful. The roses are beautiful. The one skylight is enough in the middle of the space. You will get more than enough light and if you install some ceiling lighting it will be a happy bright space. The little town is very charming. From what I see with other chateau owners using little green paint they absolutely love it. Happy painting. Can’t wait to see your progress next week. xx
The Butterflies story and your husband is so touching. So beautiful. When my best friends husband passed after a long battle with bowel cancer we were having lunch one day in honour of him when a little bird appeared out of nowhere and sat on the top of the chair we had for him at our table. It was amazing considering we were indoors and out of all the table settings it sat on that chair. The restaurant owner said a bird has never been in the restaurant before? Then it flew away disappeared into the sky
So sorry about your husband. I also lost mine, October of 2022. I miss him so much. Very nice about the butterflies you're seeing, especially that one going to ground zero. Wishing you the best.
Thanks for another video, they add an extra sweetness to Sunday. Tomas is such a treasure, I'm so glad he's there to help. Butterflies are so lovely, and I have heard similar things about people finding nickels and dimes in really weird places, kind of like little surprise reminders from their dearly departed.
Abby, I strongly believe in butterfly visits, that they are visits from my beloveds who are no longer alive. They show their presence when I most need it. I love your own stories of connection with your husband through the amazing butterfly visits you shared. No doubt, he is still with you, in spirit, letting you know you are not alone and you can do this. 🦋 I love your RU-vid channel and following your amazing adventure in France. Sending love from Massachusetts. ❤️
I'm sure it was a sign from Arron just to let you know that he was near. I loved the stories of the butterflies and what they mean to you Abby. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Toronto!
🦋🦋I believe that there are signs if we are open to embracing them 🥰the flowers were so lovely and thoughtful! Glad you feeling better! Back to planning and getting the to do list completed! Very excited to see your bedroom making progress! So many beautiful towns villages throughout the area the history is so enchanting and so many unexpected shops to explore! So much inspiration all around! Especially seeing the beautiful sunrise..Chloe provided her best downward dog pose😂Hope you have an amazing week ahead! Wish there was better news regarding the cliff but you were prepared for this likely outcome as unfortunate as it is move forward with what you can knowing you tried for the best resolution! Au Revoir 💜
That little stroll through the quaint town was restful; I loved peaking inside the shops. The food looked delicious! 😋 It’s too bad unexpected bills like the falling wall have to ruin your budget but I guess that happens to everyone. I really thing the city owes you the money since they allowed that subdivision to get away with poor drainage. Your garden is lovely with daffodils in bloom. 🎉
Thanks for the update. Just wanted to say that your video's are really coming along so nicely compared to the first ones. Sound and editing are good. Videos are also much smoother as well. Very cool!
So much beauty! The light in the garden and at the end - beautiful! Interesting to hear about the rockslide. Was going to suggest putting skylight according to sun, then Tomas talked about that. Windows in your room are beautiful. Looking forward to seeing completed paint job. The butterfly story...on social media on Valentine's Day I glanced at social media and saw my mother's first name Emma and first 3 letters of her last name...It was someone else but led to sweet remembering.
Beautiful work ❤️❤️❤️❤️! Love the Vlog. Sorry about the cliff. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I adore how you are creating such a lovely room. ❤. Thank you.
Oh my, what lovely roses! I’m a big fan of mixed-coloured rose bouquets. Butterflies are very interesting wee things from various perspectives and I envy you seeing them now for whatever reason as I look out at more snow in the GWN (although it’s now beautifully sunny, so I’m not complaining!). So, good news-bad news about the cliff, but in the fullness of time, doable. Perhaps Issigeac (sp?) could become one of your excursions during your retreats? I’d happily spend time wandering around there. A la prochaine!
I have so much fun watching your restorations, you are so calm. I am restoring a 100 year old little bungalow..gutting a bath, still nowhere! 5 contacts later! not calm but trying. I picked F&B colors, love yours too, will you share the names? I am using EDDY F&B in many rooms...when free, I need to travel to my love of France...great JOB! That cliff oh that cliff...SMH...always something huge isn't it...I feel ya...xo
Hi Abbie. Sorry about that damn cliff, but I see where once again you just press on! Thats why we all admire and Love you girl❤❤❤. The bedroom is gonna look beautiful and just as you wanted. I made the mistake of watching a little of a documentary about 9/11 the other day. I didn’t know anyone then but feel like I do now. I thought of you and your young family and husband. I’m so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. Those butterflies are from him, no doubts. ❤
Thank you for sharing you 📋 I do believe butterfly 🦋 as something to do with the passing of my Dad ! During winter I see butterfly in stores on windows on car bumper etc . I’m so sorry about the cliff becoming so Dangerous
Abby I’m not a cryer whatsoever, however your story about your husband & butterflies, it really moved me, somehow I got completely lost in, you had me picturing the cold windy ferry scene entirely, my heart goes out to you, then you switched to the geologists & wham I was back in my world, take care, btw 1 skylight is plenty in that space. 💕
Thank you for sharing your butterfly experiences. I, too, have had and heard beautiful Butterfly stories. The butterfly following the ferry brought tears, almost as if your dear husband was trying to catch up w you & mother In law! 😊
Thank you for the reminiscences and story of the butterflies. You are blessed with such a gentle messenger. I love the walk in the little town on a quiet Saturday. Whatever befalls the chateau (no pun intended ! ) you have that sunrise, the garden, little Chloe each day. The present is beautiful.
This was such a great video in so many ways. Getting the rundown on the cliff, seeing the ideas you have for the cottage, walking through the adorable town, and hearing your beautiful butterfly stories. But I have say, the shot of Chloe stretching in the dawn light was my favorite part.
1 roof window in the cottage is better than none for sure. Maybe the $2K saved for not doing 2 will pay for Rock cliff safety removal. U r a Brave Woman, Inspirational! GBY
Abby, is there any way you might be able to recover some costs of the rock wall project by selling the fallen granite to a local quarry. I’m sure somebody would but that raw stone to clean it up and sell it 😊
Best wishes regarding the cliff. You will feel better having it come down. It is good to hear it doesn't affect the cottage. I lost a cousin when covid first hit. She loved butterflies. I have put one on my Christmas tree every year in her memory. She loved Christmas, too. For me, it is the hummingbird. Every year on my dad's birthday, a hummingbird visits me. Obviously, it is a different one. The walk through the town was lovely. The lunch looked delicious. Glad you are feeling better.❤
I guess I don't understand the need for the cottage. For myself, I'd leave it until the main building was finished. But then, I would have found a small cottage that needed minimal work, and been happy with that. I've been enjoying watching you, since it seems to be your dream, and wishing you all the luck you need.
Don't ignore the butterfly signs..he is watching over you for sure. Chloe was so sweet stretching in the sun and the roses your kids sent are beautiful. It is coming together nicely. All of your hard work, roadblocks and frustrations were/are just part of it. One day you will wake up in your beautiful bedroom, the huge jobs behind you and know it was all worth it ! Cheers and Happy Sunday! ~ Michele
After watching you and Thomas in the upstairs. Both me and my husband think the beam is bowing. You have one post and that’s bowing too. I think a few supports from a hardware store are needed. If it collapses I think it could be very bad!
With the window in the center you might get more referred light into the downstairs--a bonus! As a single woman (divorced many years ago) who loves living alone, I also know that the financial strains can be very worrisome when it's all up to you--especially those unexpected big hits. I agree wth the Gofundme idea, or something like it. Many of us would would love to help out as much as we can!
Yay! You are better and facing the ups and downs of Château life. The little town/village you went to buy your paint from was so pretty and you didn't waste any time getting started when you got home, until next time ❤😊 👋
Dear Abbie, the village where you get your paint is pronounced Izzy Jacques!!! Beautiful little place. Sorry to hear about the cliff face problems but maybe a one off "investment" will do the trick and guarantee peace of mind for the future. Bon courage!
🦋 Be neat to see the new sky lights or light put in very cute building for a painting studio. 🦋 I believe that the Butterfly is a sign to 2 years ago I had to put my 2 old showjumpers down we have these birds called Rosellas on the day the vet arrived . Once the horses were at rest 2 Rosellas flew up into the trees while the horses were lying there 😭 it still brings me to tears now , the birds waited for a bit in the trees above then flew off I swear they had taken George and Shaka spirits away even the vet said how odd it was . The same thing happened when Lockie was put to rest too now I see 3 Rosellas flying around hearing them chirping away like they are laughing . So yes seeing the Butterfly is a sign that he is around and watching over u . ❤ It's good now to have some direction to take the cliff now . 🐙🌹🐾 Helo Chloe ❤❤
Yes indeed I believe when our loved ones pass butterflies,humming birds are there reminders that everything is okay. I had my hands behind my head relaxing in a chair on a pier & I heard a fluttery noise.. it was a hummingbird by my elbow & I know it was my sister Linda who had died. We had just put a flower in the lake & I was watching it float when the hummingbird tickled my elbow. You have some great kids, belated Happy Valentines Day💜
I think you are totally right about the butterflies!! He is always there for you! His best friend and he are together having fun!! Really love your adventurous spirit and zest for life and its challenges live out in yourself and those around you. It is refreshing to follow you on your journey. You slow others to follow your dream, and space to ponder our own dreams!! You’ve got this!!
It would be nice if you waterproof that wall and put a glazed finish on it. I love the wall! I don't doubt that the butterfly is a visitor! Please tell Tomas I want him to come to America lol Loving the bedroom so far! ♥
What a cute store! “The West End!” Lovely story about your husband and the butterflies, I felt your love for that beautiful butterfly and on Valentines Day! 😍 Do you have another building next to the cottage? It looked like there was damage? Thanks for sharing!!
Have just lately found out that there are massive farmer protests in France (along with those in Germany, etc) and that there was one in Agen at the end of January.
Did you ever think about making a cardboard box with a roof on it like your new studio? Cut a hole where you would have your skylight and place it in the yard at the same angle and watch how the light moves. Just a thought.
I like the idea of the skylight in the middle, it will help with light going down the stairwell too, just to bring some natural light to the floor below. With the windows on either side , you will have heaps of lovely light coming through. Love the butterfly story, so great to have these signs to let us know that our passed on loved ones never leave us. Devastating news about the cliff having to come down!! Looking forward to seeing how your bedroom turns out.
Your last few images of the garden remind me of one of our favourite films: A Good Year. Do you know it? We watch it on Valentine's day every year. Makes me laugh still.
Such a pretty red admiral butterfly - we have them here in Colorado as well, which is pretty neat. We ended up with a huge pile of large and small rocks when we excavated for our greenhouse up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains - so we dumped in some soil and turned it into a rock garden that is very lovely now after about 7 years. Love what you are doing with the chateau.
