It was a dream of my husband’s and mine to come and visit. He has been struck down with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer and we are devastated. Your RU-vid channel kept us going through Covid and gave us so much joy. There is a star for him in your chapel and well as one in honour of my mother and father. My Mother passed away May 17 just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday. I sent you some writing paper she made with tatting in it. We are also happy to see the red handled apple corer we sent you nestled in a pocket in your utensil holder in your kitchen cupboard . My husband noticed it a few days ago. We don’t know how much he has but we still enjoy watching and love the progress on the chapel.
I suddenly found myself hospitalized, and in need of major backsurgery at the very begining of the first lockdown, and ended up going through another, even bigger surgery later. So I spent alot of time, alone and sick in the hospital, when noone was allowed to visit, and the halls felt empty. More, than 6 months, before I was able to come home - and I'm still in recovery. Anyway, I just wanted to say, that I know, how these Chateau diaries can bring a little joy and rest to a time, that is both scary, uncertain and uncomfortable. And for those long days, I simply went back, and started the Chateau diaries from the very beginning! It is actually fun to revisit, and realize all that has happened, see all the volunteers - oh, like fx the very first arrival of Philip... 😊 Anyway, Best wishes to you and your husband!
Steph..im a 70 year old single childless dog lover..most of my dogs are rescues from Mexico. When I lost my first dog Kiki from cancer, I thought I would never get over the grief until my friend,( also a dog rescuer) , told me, Susan.. when ever one of these creatures is called to heaven, it opens the door for another soul to experience the absolute love that they experienced with you..don't stop loving Lancelot of course, but his sacrifice is another souls opportunity
When I lost my little Dora two years ago I felt I wanted to leave with her, she was the last one to go. I sat in the garden heartbroken, trying to work out how to manage this pain when I had this thought, I could sit and cry and wallow in heartbreak over her passing OR I could focus on all the love we shared, the games, the walks, the snuggles, the times she saved me when I was in pain, she could sense it each time. SO I gave myself a little time and then rescued two little doggies, a boy from near me in France and a girl from Roumania and they are now my absolute best friends. I still had love to give and they needed it. Given my age they will be my last companions.
Yes. I feel the dogs in my life have all ben great teachers of love. They bring us this gift, and the best way to honour them when they've left, is to pass it forward, to another dog in need of that affection. The grief over a beloved dog's passing doesnt go away, but it settles in the heart, and makes space for another beloved brother or sister to be welcomed in. It's part of the lesson they teach us, how to love purely and to accept the loss, and keep the practise of this love going. They truly become a part of us, and make us better humans, and that doesn't end with their passing. But oh my lord, it's hard to lose ones dearest soul puppy. It takes time to get back on track. ❤❤❤
Meso Americans believed that when a dog person dies they go to an island of dogs to be reunited with any dogs that loved them, and were loved in return. The dog or dogs will guide and keep the person company for the rest of the journey. I love that idea,as my scruffy old Mr Dog is getting on
Stephanie, you need to know that one never gets over the death of a beloved pet: instead, one learns to move forward day by day, carrying the memories of the lost little one close to one’s heart. I still cry over the death of our dog in 1997.
@lizamartin4705 I was there in high summer and never broke a sweat in my room. The walls are a metre thick in the 16th century wing and the ceilings are 3 metres high.
Stephanie, there are many types of Flowers called Lancelot. Maybe you can plant them around his resting place 💜One is the Lancelot climbing rose and its yellow!
I’ve grieved for years every time I lose a dog. My life revolves around them. You didn’t want a dog until you met Lancelot, who melted your heart & ours
In the kindest way, I find capturing the gilder with flecks of gold on his face amusing and endearing. As a matter of fact, I'd like to find some flecks of gold on my own face now and then!
That picture of your Mom and Dad was awesome! How young they were. Loved it. Sending you a virtual hug. When you spoke about your feelings regarding Lancelot I was in tears. We are missing him too. ❤
Stephanie, it is one year on Saturday since I said goodbye to my beautiful little boy too. Don’t feel alone if you have a difficult moment, I am still grieving every day. I have learned that grief has no expiration date, it comes and goes as when it decides and all we can do is ride the waves and know that one day the waves will get smaller and smaller ❤
I totally agree with you: I have learned that grief has no expiration date, it comes and goes as when it decides and all we can do is ride the waves and know that one day the waves will get smaller and smaller . I totally agree, but I don´t think the waves get smaller, I think we learn how to tackle them. And also I have faith that I will meet my much loved animals in Paradise or Heaven.
I have had many (many) dogs over the years. I have always found that the best way to get over the pain of losing a dog is to get a new one. Bring new love and joy into your heart.
Grief comes unexpectedly. You are doing so well. I lost a daughter in January this year. She died unexpectedly. Grieving is hard. Don't worry if you suddenly feel the hurt. It's like an ocean wave. The waves of grief are calm some days, other days gentle waves but some days we feel like we will drown in grief. Grieving is a hard emotion. You and your wonderful family and friends will be your life support.
Losing a family member such as a dog or cat can take a long time to get over theres is no cure the heart will heal in time , Lancelot was a amazing wee sole and there be lots of things that will trigger tears , big hugs Steph its all still very raw but u doing well . xxX
When you read that bit about Lancelot, I just started crying. My heart aches for you. We all so understand the loss of a beloved pet, but Lance was really special. Believe me we all miss him too bless you strength to you. Thanks for everything.
With Philips new venture reminds me of a quote I saw years ago and love. “Grandma had it. Mom threw it away. I bought it back!” Love that quote. And I’m a 70’s genx like Steph.
So wonderful to see Marie blossoming and enjoying life at LaLande with all of you. And really fun to see her finding such beautiful dresses to compliment her natural beauty and lovely spirit.
Am I the only one who's excited to hear about insulation? 😀 All the improvements are great, but I love the practical, problem solving aspects of the things like radiators, plumbing & insulation! Knowing that the fundamentals are in order makes all the other projects more enjoyable!
Oh, dear Stephanie, my heart ached for you when you read about Sir Lancelot and got blindsided by an unexpected wave of grief for your sweet Lancelot. I’m continuing to keep you, Philip, Marie and all those who miss that tiny bundle of energy in my heart and prayers. Please know the waves will eventually become more infrequent and less intense, but your love for Lancelot will always remain.❤ I miss him, too, and will never forget that precious boy.
I really feel your pain about Lancelot. I had the pleasure of living with 5 dogs and 2 cats. Over the course of 5 years, I lost them all to illness and old age. Seeing your pain really has brought back those sad memories of losing them. But, I wouldn't trade all the years with them for anything. They brought me so much more happiness than I ever could give them. I'm glad you are respecting your feelings and taking care of yourself. PS: the website looks great!
What wonder you are in your clear out! I have inherited many items from parents that I begin and get overwhelmed. Thank you for giving me courage to start in small and bit by bit. ❤
Philip, congratulations, again, for selling everything in the shop. I did a quick add in my head, and you have a way to go before paying for the renovation of the stairs, but I'm confident that you have at least €100 in excess crystal and porcelain at Lalande. LOL!
I know Dear Stephanie you will get better and better each days . That’s what it is and we learn to live with it . And the same with us my beautiful husband our furry pets are always with us . And we smile and cry but you keep busy . God bless
It takes time to learn how to carry both grief and joy in our hearts. We are never just one or the other. Give yourself the gentleness and time you need. Peace will come.
Everything is moving along so quickly. I can’t wait to see the chapel this Christmas. It’s going to be so different from the years before the restoration. Im curious to see how pews will be done and chandeliers and other lighting that will cast light like never before. It would be sweet to have a memorial plaque outside the chapel doors, with the name of the boy and why the chapel was built as a memorial to him. I know if i were his mother or father, I would want the world to know his name. I can’t imagine their sorrow of losing their 5 year old son. To build a chapel, as beautiful as this one, is a beautiful way to memorialize him. Very emotional…❤
Well done, Phillip , found your own place for your talents. I really enjoy your shop. Gosh, it sells out so fast. So pleased. Also happy we get to buy some of it. Congratulations.
Dear Stephanie Lancelot will always be in yours and our hearts. He was such a loving little fellow and he taught you how to really love an animal. Please don't wait too long to get another puppy I'm sure Lancelot would approve it.💕💕
I suspect and I think you do too that once the artisans working on your Chapel spread the word about the exceptionalism of it. You’re gonna get lots of visitors so you probably need to prepare for that now with access to the chapel from the drive area! For sure, I hope people who will be willing to make donations for its upkeep! I think you might want to consider a path from the driveway to the chapel that doesn’t the main area Congratulations Stephanie you really did an amazing job hiring the right people for this project! As my dad always told me if you’re going to do something and do it right the first time so that you don’t have to do it again! And you have hired exceptionally talented people to do this work and allowing us to watch the process has been a wonderful joy for us! So thank you. I am also a fellow my birthday was August 12. I recognize that you were soon as I saw you watched as many others will say thank you for taking. On your RU-vid channel I know it came out of an necessity to earn money for the upkeep of the château, but it has been a blessing too many of us worldwide and I like others. Look forward each day to your new video! Your taste, and your commitment to be in the best wonderful example for others!
You read through that Lancelot paragraph better than I could have. I would have been crying. When I lost my cat, I was a crying mess for several months.
Love the vlog, love all the familiar faces in the chateau, love the energy you bring. I'm so glad that you're determined to keep doing this far into your nineties! 🥰
Stephanie you will have times and days when you feel so so broken hearted 💔 all over again 😢 there are memories everywhere!! But i promise time does heal, and you will look back and think about him with a smile on your face, of all the happiness he brought you. I can do this now after a long time twice over. I have got another little dog and going to put myself through this all over again. But he brings me such love and joy everyday 💕
The photo of your parents Stephanie is too cute. Although black and white it shows no era to it. It could have been taken yesterday, it has stood the test of time. Very sweet❤❤❤
Strange place to find your tiebacks! Your new on-line shop is perfect for Philip, it will prosper for sure. Marie as always looks lovely. Thanks Stephanie. 🇨🇦❤️
Don’t rush it Stephanie you will miss Lancelot probably for the rest of your life he was much loved and a huge part of your family ,give your self and Philip time you have a lot on your plate at the moment with so many projects on the go,and darling Philip your online shop is just fabulous so many congratulations to you ❤❤❤
Oh, dear... You'll probably never see this... BUT I just came across a really great idea, on the RU-vid channel, "Chateau de la Grifferaie"! They had problems, because if they opened a window, soon, all kinds of bugs, birds and bats would enter the rooms... So - he simply built a very simple insect/birdscreen, and it is perfect for french chateau windows, because you open one side, then insert the screen. Then, you slip it into the grove of the side, that locks. And that way, you can lock the screen in place! The open window is at the same time also held open, by the screen. If you watch their latest video, you can see it in action, and it was litterally a few bits of wood and some flyscreen - and now, they can open all the windows they want, and get plenty of airflow - and not have to worry about mosquitos, flies, birds or bats!! 😊 I just thought it could maybe help you, too, as I remember a few times, where bats entered some bedrooms😂
There is such a lovely memory in my heart of the lively spark that Lancelot added to every video he made an appearance in. What a suave little gentleman he was, capturing everyone's heart. He leaves a delightful, joy-filled memory to be savored often. Thank sweet, precious litlle dog.
Stephanie it helps to hear you express yourself about missing Lancelot-that little one made quite an impression 🩷 now a loving spirit who visits LaLande We understand and miss him too
Stephanie, I am grieving this summer also, and I give myself permission to have good and bad days. I know I will get beyond this time, but it is not easy. Hugs to you and the whole family for time, quiet, and calm to reason your way through this.
Give me a chance, everything is selling out straight away, bloody hell !!! Steph, please straighten the lamp shade in the attic, it's driving me mad, 😂
Hi Stephanie, I don’t comment much but I don’t miss any episodes. Thank you for your joyful spirit. You really helped me through the pandemic. And thank you for clearing because it’s motivating me! The only problem I see with your clearing is that also you’re now selling some really cute stuff which is my weak spot😂 lol
I always thought that Philip could go around finding good items and sell them, and together with his love for the table setting, that he would be very successful.
Congrats on the shop success. I love the gilding in the chapel. What an artist! See you both soon, Percevelle. Safe journey. Steph, great job on the shelves. We all grieve differently, and reminders can be triggers of the pain of the loss. Just remind yourself that he had the best life in Lalande, and everywhere he went, he was loved and brought so much joy to everyone. Nate and Marie and Steph, you all look lovely in your summer dresses. I think Vinted will be sold out after this. What a bargain, Marie. Dave, congrats on your promotion! I am sure Marie will be impressed. ❤
We all support you in your sadness and know it never completely goes away. I don’t know if you will see this but I was wondering how well your dad spoke French. I always marvel listening to the way you sound proper English one second and switch to French so easily. ❤
When you started to read about Lancelot i started to get teary eyed. i think it is because i miss him and my own dog Vader who i lost a couple of weeks before . I still feel the same as you Stephanie some good days and then other times a bit sad. ❤🧡💛
My dog's spirit visited me in the shower one week after he died as the water poured down around me, I felt his presence come in, just as happened to me in the shower one week after my mother's passing. They are all together and aware us of very much. Nothing ever dies. They know our thoughts and our feelings and can come immediately when we think of and call up them. I experience them when I call for them as a warm feeling arising up my back. They are aware of everything we do and are totally liberated as they observe us in non-judgment. We can very much talk to them and they hear every word. Make no mistake. After the initial sadness and some residual sadness there is little need for more as they are right there.
Love watching declutterring. I hit the dining table, today. It is the catch all in this house. Stephanie, we all miss Lancelot right along with you all. He was a joy to watch. Give yourself plenty of time to heal and to grieve. ❤
That pale yellow dress is a terrific color for Marie; very pretty dress. Amazing work on the "junk room"; you've inspired me to start my own clear out to get ready for my custom work desk which will be installed by the end of the month. The gilding on the chapel gates is looking fabulous!
Phillips and your new web sight is very smart! It will enable you to pay for the new projects and let’s be honest, Phillip will be able to focus on more historical pieces and add to his beautiful table lay outs. I love that everyone in the Chateau has a special place and are able to always pitch in where needed. This is not a single home where a small family grows. This is a family of friends and decades of dreams coming true. Also growing in so many ways. Thank you!
I cannot find mention of this word anywhere on the internet. I had an argument with Chat-GPT lol. Help with definition I have no idea what's going on and GPT is making up different meanings and then apologising for doing so lol
If you don't insist on these old fashioned radiators, there are a lot of stylish radiators in the market that won't pop out into the corridor. Even horizontal and vertical mirror radiators that are especially thought for damp areas and add some light to the space.
You could simply put a full sheet of coloured paper behind the photo in the mirrored frame (ensure it is acid-free paper) and try and get the side and top margins about the same and the bottom one a little deeper.
I’m so sorry Stephanie. My husband and I came to the Chateau last September. Such a lovely stay. We didn’t have the honor of meeting Lancelot. We were so happy to see him on the show. Loved his little face. He will always have a special place in your hearts. Mourning is such a process. You have brought such sunshine to our lives. Lancelot brought so much happiness and unconditional love. I hope there are more sunny days than cloudy.
Dear Stehanie, it is still so soon, you will have good days and bad days, it shows how much Lancelot wriggled his way into your heart. As with any loss, it doesn't ever go away completely, as you have found with the memories of your father, and that is right. People and animals change your life. Don't ever apologise about grieving for them. Love and hugs.
Grief, whether for a human or an animal companion, is a lengthy process that ebbs and flows as it will. You have been so diligent about your clearing! I need to do the same in my office storage room.
Loved the little bit of gold on the guilder's upperlip.😂 It is perfectly normal to have sad spells. Don't apologize, celebrate the love. Remember energy cannot be erased. Grief equals love❤
We lost our GS last December and there isn’t a day I don’t think about her. She was so integrated in our lives it’s like losing a child. I’ve had many fur babies but she had my heart. I’ll see her again so stay strong. I think We learn to live with the pain until it becomes a beautiful memory.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Stephanie, it took me 6 years before I could talk about my dog after she passed away. I still think about her to this day and it's been 20 years. But it does get better. Much love from Oklahoma USA Jackie 🇺🇸💖🙏
Hello, Stephanie I took some Thanatology courses after loosing my grandpa two years ago. I read having a good day, then bad, and going through a ton of emotions at once is normal. I am going through the same thing again. I lost my grandma a few weeks ago and my other grandpa is on his way out. It takes time it’s a process.
