Ruby wants some cuddles too. Petteing a cat can be very soothing

Stephanie, we all live for the “high” notes in our lives. But the “low” notes help keep us grounded. It’s that cycle of life we try not to acknowledge. But, we must face our challenges, and continue to keep our heads up and our hearts open to all things. Just know, you are not alone, we are here to support you.

Long time Patreon and admirer here. I needed this. I'm leaving an abusive marriage with four young kiddos in tow and have never been lower. Clawing tooth and nail out of a bleak hole. In a weird way it's comforting to know others are also low with me, and we can all cling to that little bit of hope for a brighter future instead of curling up and hiding away from the world. I pray we all make it, better than before. Thanks for reminding me that there's light yet to come Stephanie.

Being vulnerable and pure is underrated. Thank you for sharing with us Stephanie. ❤

It's been a couple of very tough years that have certainly been difficult for many people. Covid, social media, war in Ukraine. This has taken a toil on many people. Depression, anxiety does build up. So talking about what is going on in your world is perfectly ok and understandable. You have ups and downs with the property, the people who are part of your life and trying to always be positive through all of this isn't reality. So listen to your cousin, he's a very wise man.

Amury is that rare skilled trades person who cleans up after his work, and is in touch with his feelings! How grand! My sincere sympathies at the loss of your friend.❤️

Nick is one of the most skilled and knowledgeable tree surgeons ive seen. Its great giving him the recognition he deserves,as he shares his lifetimes wealth of knowledge!

Amury is definitely incredible. So amazing watching him work. Stephanie, please let yourselves have time to grieve and reminisce.

Stephanie you and the Lalande family have helped so many people through some difficult times in their lives and now it is our time to help you with our support and love. God Bless you all xxx

The stream, green moss and colorful fallen leaves was beautiful 🥰

Sharing your good and bad days with us makes everything so touching. We are here for you all. XXX

I’ve been in a sad patch too lately. The weight of the world is huge. While I would never want anyone else to be sad as well, it feels good that I am not alone. Thank you for sharing Stephanie. Sending you so much love 💛

Sweet lady, it's perfectly okay to feel your feelings. If you feel that you need to take some time away for your mental health please do it it's worth taking time for yourself. We will completely understand. We love you and are thinking of you and all within the Chateau. So many big hugs from Texas!

Stephanie, As said below, you have many People that love you and what you have given us in sharing Chateau LaLande with us. Please do not focus on the negative crap that has been put out there by a former LaLande Person. You don't deserve that. So ignore it and them. Move forward, rest and recoup. You are doing good!! Much Love from the US💕

So lovely to see the vulnerable moments. Started watching your channel a couple of years ago as a casual, cheerful moment of escapism, but have learned so much about finding joy in a truly daunting project and creating your own tribe. I've recently inherited my parents' passion project of a log home in Texas on 100 acres and have been struggling with the emotional tasks of everything from plumbing updates and timber management to honoring their lifetime of beloved collections, all within a haze of poignant memories of loving parents and an idyllic childhood they provided me. I've found many commonalities in my estate, although it is a tiny fraction of the scale you are managing, including my handy repairman/landscaping cousin, an overabundance of china sets, and heating problems. It is all quite overwhelming, but I think if you can do it on a 100x larger home, I can do it too! Today, your vision for a memory garden in the forest resonated deeply and will now be added to my vision for our family land in a Texas forest on the other side of the world from you. Thank you for sharing, especially in dark moments. I too shall moisturize and soldier on like a pigeon. Be well.

Dear Stephanie, please know that we are here for you. 💗

You have many friends out here who love you. Take the time you need. We will always be here for you. A fan forever

Having darling Jarrad back is enough to cheer everyone up 🙏🏻🐨🥰

I don’t think a single one of your regular viewers care if you share your “down” days. I think we all watch for the amazing videos you put out. Don’t think anyone who watches thinks your rainbows and flowers everyday. That’s not possible. Always, thank you for sharing your life with us all ❤️

I actually like this kind of vlog better. Very organic. This is how I used to watch The Château Diaries. I must admit I unsubscribed for more than a year now ever since the vlog started to look like a production. I really really miss this. Very personable 💕Thank you.

I've shed a tear for that young woman but what joy you all must have brought her when she got that scholarship. I've lit a candle for her grandmother sending her a celtic prayer of comfort. Be well

There’s something so comforting about seeing you post on a not so good day. I can’t put my finger on it. But it’s just so human. It makes me feel less alone. Depression makes my days hard to get off my bed. But seeing you force yourself to keep chugging along. Inspired me to do the same. Thank you Stephanie ♥️♥️ sending warmth and my condolences.

Yes you are right. When a person is feeling low just remember it’s the little things that are the most important. I go horseback riding through the woods. I think horses are such good therapy for anyone. Great episode! Lots of love from Tennessee!!!

People can be rotten sometimes, and they can make a lot of noise which is hard to ignore- but know there are more who wish you only the best xx

what a brave woman you are. Walk on, and we will all be walking with you.

Stephanie, I don’t comment much but this channel has been a comfort to me for years now. I guess it’s time to break this parasocial relationship I have with LaLande and write some words of comfort and thanks to you. Stephanie you are a true inspiration in my life. I love all the old Sunday’s at the Chateau and watch them repeatedly. I am obsessed with Stephanie Jarvis’ France. After your Limouges video I started collecting Limoges plates from estate sales with my father. For Christmas my mom gave me the Princess Diana Souleiado purse and my boyfriend a Santons nativity set. I mention this as I believe you deserve all the best brand deals as you generously share with us all the best things. You have influenced my purchasing power but more importantly influenced my outlook. In 3 years you have been consistently bringing me joy in many of my personal turbulent times. Your home is enchanting. Your personality is refreshing. Your heart is so giving. Your content is not only escapism for me but inspires my everyday life. Little lessons like setting a table or getting dressed for a dinner party at home helped me when I was in a funk. Enjoying small what some would call frivolous things is so necessary because life truly is something worth celebrating. But beyond these small joys you inspire me to build community and to give back. Your generosity has not stopped with you but inspires a “pass it on” of sorts. There is always disparity- and you help remind me that small generosities are significant. I mourn your losses with you and honor the lives of those who are intertwined with LaLande! So many people LaLande and Stephanie have touched with joy and generosity. I can’t begin to understand all of the complexities involved with sharing your grief publicly. Thank you for consistently posting for us and I hope you are taking care of yourself as well. Sending love from Florida, Molly.

To Stephanie and ALL Lalanders (those physically present or those whose only attachment is virtual): Please hold close the reality that because of YOU--all of you Lalanders near and far, the South African fashion student was able to live her last years LIVING HER DREAM. You ALL made that possible. What an incredible gift to have given her and her family. So few of us will be able to say, ever, "I am living my dream", and she was able to say it and live it. (I mean no disrespect by not mentioning her name. I don't know how to spell it, and I'd rather not be disrespectful by getting that wrong).

Amaury is not only talented, he's very wise. It's lovely to see all the preparations continuing and knowing LaLanders are doing as well as possible.

Im so glad we got a good look at Ruby. A lot ofpeople have been asking about her recently.😻😻😻

Yes, Amaury is amazing!!! I'm so happy he is there to help you ... he is a master carpenter.

Everyone at the chateau has a skill to offer, but Amaury and Nick, both woodsmen, are just another level of meticulous skill and expertise.

Lalande has the most beautiful woods! So peaceful, and the stream is alive and well! Hope you all are doing well 😚

Having a memorial space to visit is a lovely idea and so helping the grieving process. Amoury can never leave! He understands so much about the mechanicals and inner workings of the chateau!

An angel garden is a beautiful way to honor people that have passed! Remember all the love and support of all your friends, family and all your followers that care about you! You are really blessed with the beautiful life you have! Feel better!

Stephanie is on holiday in Dubai right now.

I’ve been sending so much love and praying for peace for all of you

You are not alone with the mental health, I’ve lived with it for over 20 years

Stephanie you do your best in every situation and for every person you can. You should feel proud of your accomplishments and more importantly the relationships that you have formed with so many people around the world and close to home. We can't control other people's lives or fates but we can control how we treat others and you are truly lovely to others. We all have down days no matter what and getting out for a walk and pampering yourself a bit is a great way to fight against the darkness.

It’s so hard for me to see you sad ,i hope things get better for you soon ,you gave me hope over the last two years with lock down and you was always the person that got thousands of us through the dark day ,sending you ❤

Fique bem, querida Stephanie. O que a vida quer da gente é coragem!

I love the idea of a memorial garden, a special sit spot to honor loved ones. 💕💕

Dear Stephanie, you don't know how much your vlogs supported us when we were low. Please don't feel compelled to hide your low days. Share what feels comfortable. Sending lots of love from Canada ❤

Careful with those cat treats so Ruby doesn't choke! 😆 I recommend breaking them up into pieces or holding the stick while he chomps. Also, I think he wanted snuggles just as much as treats.😉🥰

Thank you for making the effort to film a vlog for us under trying circumstances. Not every day feels like sunshine and roses. Cameron is a great addition to the forestry projects. Jared’s dinner looked yummy, he is such a gentle soul. 🙏❤️

Good for others mental health to see you using nature as therapy in sad times, it’s the simple things that help you through and your incredible community that’s supports each other xx

Letting us see i bit of you feeling low paints the picture all the more realistic and relatable. I have such a respect for your upside and unique talents of making people belong to the world of Lalande. So thank you for today's video - and all the others. You are an example to us all.

I’m glad you are willing to show your true feelings not always joy it helps me to connect with you. Also I am lead by your example to enjoy the flowers and the stream even in sadness

I'm so glad that you did share a down day with us, Stephanie! Doing this helps normalize discussing and working on our mental health, and chips away at the stigmas associated with mental illnesses like depression. I have chronic anxiety and depression, and it truly feel that naming the beast helps steal its power over us. Here's a sort of silly thing that might make you laugh. Re: pigeons. I adore your pigeon tower, but what I love most about it is, I think, its actual complete LACK of real, flesh and feather pigeons. I used to quite like pigeons, but now I live in a townhouse where a pair of horny pigeons have set up camp directly outside my door, essentially at eye level, and proceeded to have loud, flappy, rambunctious pigeon sex, almost 24 hours a day. I swear to god, if I never see another pigeon, it may be too soon. We can hear them going at it from almost anywhere in the house. It's enough to drive me to start researching how to commit efficient pigeon murder and contemplate trying roast pigeon for the first time in my life. (I won't do it - I swear. I'm a vegetarian, and I highly value the lives of animals.) All I can say is that they're lucky I don't eat meat, but they're pushing their luck with my rather carnivorous roommate. I'm also tempted to sick my cats on them, but my cats are indoor kitties, and the few times they've ventured outside, they've proven to be relatively useless at hunting (much to my relief). OK! I hope you have a wonderful week, and that things start to improve for everyone. Much love and empathy to you all! 💕💕

Oh yes!!! The pigeon on the banister - perfection!!! Do it! The tower is a Stephanie masterpiece.

Lovely to see Ruby as we rarely see him since Selmar left. It is best to break up the treats that come as sticks as cats can choke on them, some have little groves in them to be broken up. Hope you are all feeling brighter soon.

CS Lewis quote (and in the movie Shadowlands): “The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”

If we didn’t have the dark valleys we wouldn’t have our mountain top moments. Sending you lots of love and thanks for sharing all of Chateau life, it’s what makes your channel so authentic. Wishing you every blessing Stephanie Axxx ❤

Please be kind to yourself Stephanie and I can not imagine how hard it had been on you personally, what has happened. You were so invested not just financially but emotionally too, in this young lady's life. It's devastating. It is completely natural that you would be knocked down by that. Loss is a part of life and its healthy that you can find small joys in your day as you move about. I imagine that watching you is the small joy in many people's lives, I know I find joy in it. It must be difficult to ignore the negative comments but please do not pay them any regard. It says more about them, you keep on doing you, in all your bright, glowing, generous glory.

You did so well Stephanie, everyone is so proud of you. The idea of pathways in the woods with a meditation or Zen garden plus a memorial garden, not forgetting a magical fairy garden of course for visiting children will be wonderful. There is so much you have planned for the future such as the re establishing of the Lake and central heating, so be very proud of yourselves Stephanie and your LaLande family. Your smile lights up our day. 💕🇦🇺

Sorry you all are feeling sad. I'm sure the young lady who passed away would want you to be happy by appreciating and remembering and celebrating her beautiful work.

Heyy, I have never commented bevor but I started watching this channel randomly when I was 17 and Covid just hit. I was supposed du graduate that year but everything just happened a bit differently (I‘m from Germany), but I randomly found your Channel on YT and lot of comfort as well. I know you just wanted to share things about LaLande but you‘ve managed to to share such positivity and inspired me to pursue my dream and study art history at Uni! This would have never happened if I didn’t graduate school during Covid and found this channel! My English isn’t good enough to express myself but Stephanie (and Phillip), I know you won‘t likely read this, but you have done so much for young people and I really look forward to your videos during difficult times. I too wish you the best during difficult times as well and hope that you can find strength and the resilience that you share with others. Love you guys! Alina

Roby wants a pat and cuddle!

Being out in nature can really calm or lift your mood , nature is very powerful so take as much time as you need. I love the energy of your chateau and that is down to the loving energy of you all .

Dear Stephanie, I wanted to begin my comment by saying I am constantly reminded of, and truly impressed by, your extraordinary strength of character not only in light of the recent deeply sad news but also in the face of many years of adversity, trials and tribulations, large and small since becoming a chatelaine in 2005. Yet you have pushed through every single challenge physical, emotional and financial with sheer will, unrelenting tenacity and an unshakable belief in the power to achieve your dreams. You are a remarkable inspiration and I benefit in so many ways from all you do and have done. That said, I think your idea of a memorial garden as a meditation spot is wisely thought. Then for me, I hadn't fully taken note of the 'pigeonnier' staircase until the beginning shots of it in this video. It's really another one of the Chateau's unique and visually appealing design triumphs. Now on to the best part, more restoration videos and great works to come. As the videos are always your gift to us, I feel it's only fair that I occasionally return the favor, which leads me to one of my life mottos: Live right, live well and give graciously. 😉

Grief is part of life, and each time we lose someone the sadness of other deaths surges up. Walking in natural beauty is restorative. It reminds me of my mother. A nice cuppa and the calm of good friends are essential too.

You are such a bright light in all our lives as we watch you face you adventures both difficult and celebratory with such grace and a massive dose of humour. You are so right t he very key to happiness is finding great pleasure in the smallest of things like moss covered rocks and shadows, Magical when viewed through the lens of gratitude.

Stephanie ,we so sorry for your loss! Please receive the warmest hug from my wife and I.Throughout the year you and all Lalanders are the ones who lift our spirits.If we are low,all we need to do is scape into your most cheerful and wonderful world.Tnank you!!!great idea to wander outside and let yourself be embrace by all the axtraordinary ‘little things’ that surround you ..God bless.❤❤❤

we came for my birthday in October 2020. My five year old son was very proud to sleep for the 1st time in a castle. a wonderful evening. a warm welcome, we have been following you since, what a journey. your castle is magnificent, do not give up. we live in Bourges. we are impatient to return to spend an evening at the moor. congratulations to all !

I’m speechless! I’m literally watching this video from my bed. I’ve been in it all day and it’s a gray day here in Dallas, tx. I can’t seem to come out of this funk. I can’t tell you how much it means for you to share your feelings. It makes me not feel so alone. I guess we’ve all been through a lot. I’m hoping it will pass soon. I think it’s wonderful that you guys support each other and keep the legacy of those close to you, whom you’ve lost, alive. Thank you

What wonderful people work and live at LaLande! Love you all. Cheers!

LaLande is such a safe haven. Bravo Stephanie for your creative vision and that those of the LaLande family bravo. Sending abundance of peace and love to you all. Keep up the important work you are doing behind the scenes. Greetings from England.

Thank you Stephanie for this update, been thinking of you and all . Such a sad and terrible thing when a young life comes to an end. So glad that beauty of the forest and the Lalande animals and flowers brought you joy .

Everytime you show the stream it takes me back to my childhood. There was stream like that on our property and I would go and sit for hours when Spring would first arrive just soaking up the sunshine and the sound of the stream.

I must say, even through your troubling day, you still manage to entertain and make those of us who have had a stressful day, feel better. Thank you! The perfect way to unwind. Hang in there!❤

My dear Stephanie, you are in a time of grieving, not only for the beautiful individual you knew, and were supporting in South Africa, but your own joyous involvement in helping her achieve her goals. And because you give and support so freely, joyously, and deeply, you also feel the loss of all of it more deeply - understandable and perfectly great that us participants in your life can reverse things and support you with love in your low time. Also, you have the greatest group of friends around you to help you on at such times. Thank you for being honest with us - so much more real. Amaury is so right. Blessings to you and all. Love how the chateau birds and cat were all out to greet you. They always pick up on energy changes.

I love the pigeons. It reminds me of a thought I had. We often see what Steph loves about LaLande, but I would to see a segment where Steph talks to the other LaLanders about there favorite things. Those little moments around the Chateau that give people a moment of joy. A book. A view, a knick-knack or part of the building itself. Just whatever gives each person pause in the day and makes a smile in the heart.

So happy Jared is back! He’s a warm ray of sunshine ☺️

I am so glad you are feeling better. I assiduously avoid hate channels and sites, so I only have a vague idea about what they are spreading. If they are using a tragedy as a vehicle for hate, then that says more about them than I ever could. What I can do is spread some love to you from where I am. Love on its way to you all! Take time off when you need it, but I am glad creating this video helped you feel better. Thank you for the video!

I think I speak for many when I say one of the reasons we have come to love your channel is how you take the pain life sends you with grace and mindfully push yourself to seek life’s glimmers of joy. I have found that to be such an inspiration.

I am only part way through this latest video from you, Stephanie, and I wanted to affirm and acknowledge how incredibly important it is for us all to SLOW DOWN. You are absolutely correct in being real about being human, and needing to consciously focus on the small things of life that bring joy in times that are challenging. Your cousin is a wise and thoughtful person, and he knows you very well. Vlogging the slowing down, the taking on of simple kindness and care is not only good for those viewing such a video is this, it is no doubt also very good for you personally at this time because a camera lens DOES make us youtube creators focus on what needs to be highlighted and focused on in a given moment, particularly those moments that are challenging. Continue to pace yourself for care, gentleness, kindness and joy to rest around you. Being low, with the rise and fall of life's journey, is being most fully human. Continue to enjoy the small joys that come your way... the tiny, little daffodils do indeed represent so beautifully just how hope turns up. Kia kaha, from a kiwi mama in Aotearoa New Zealand.

I know Nick is an expert but every time he goes up a tree, I get nervous!! He does a fabulous job!

You should have a house ''warming'' party when you turn on your heating system.

Take care of yourself Stephanie. Blessings and peace to everyone.

Gentle joys and little special treats wished for you through this difficult time. Your friends out here in KZfaq land appreciate that you share your life with us and we know it isn’t without its painful paths sometimes.❤

Thank you for looking after yourself. Self care is so important, acknowledging one’s feelings also so important. It’s been a sad few weeks for you all ❤ take the time to grieve ❤ You give a lot, Stephanie, you helped many of us through lockdowns, when our world was rocked to the core❤

Stephanie, you don't have to buy tissue boxes. They can be made of scrap wood, then covered in scrap fabric. Much cheaper and more individual that way.

Loss is a huge event and it penetrates our entire being. Plus there is a whole community that’s mourning the loss of a dream and a hope for this young woman that everyone was holding space for. Now it is lost. This precious being is gone from this life and everyone is left with a void. I hope that the sadness will be replaced soon with the energy and joy that once filled this lost life.❤️💔❤️

I’m sooo very sorry you all are going through this, I lost my favorite uncle last week!! So I’ve been kind of down as well, but seeing you all cheered me up, plus we got well over 3 feet of snow here, so I’d trade places with you right now !!! Chin up everyone, remember the good you did and do, smile and know you are making a difference in everyone’s life!!! Love and hugs to all !! ❤️❤️

Daffodils make me happy! My grandmother had them all over her yard, so I always think of her when I see them. Happy memories.💖 Thank you!

Thank you for being real, always.

I loved watching you two putting the pictures on the stairwell!!!

Happiness comes in waves. It’ll always come back.

Dear Stephanie my heart goes out to you during this time. As a South African I feel it even more and understand the context of helping people here to create better lives. At least your 2 "forest fairies" brought some lightness into an otherwise dark time. Thanks for being real. Hugs from Cape Town, SA xxx

Stephanie, you program this week gives much meaning to Easter! Loss and grief give way to the gift of renewal. Every , I mean every, scene you presented demonstrates it. Beautiful episode from start to finish! Thank you to all of the La Lande family for sharing this special message.

We are here for you Stephanie! ❤

A good walk through such a beautiful woods will make anybody happy. I hope you are feeling better Stephanie.

Thank you for including us in your day to day , ups and downs .I’m always excited to see a”new“video. I’m sorry for your low spirits , hope and pray it passes gently and quickly.

I'm so glad you're taking time to show the staircase. I always enjoy them!

Eh bien !! Heureusement que tu n’étais pas en forme 😄 Ce Vlog est encore une fois annonciateur de changements ! Amaury est une puissante force de travail et de sagesse !Nick et Cameron abattent (🤭) du travail aussi !! La promenade au ruisseau est fantastique et l’idée d’un lieu consacré aux personnes disparues chères au cœur des LaLanders est d’une haute bienveillance 💕 Le Printemps arrive et avec le plein de vitamines, Stéphanie, tu retrouveras le dynamisme et l’énergie !… mais repose-toi quand même 😄… n’est ce pas Philip ? Prenez bien soin de vous ! 🌸🌸🌸

Stephanie you are such a kind and thoughtful person. It's wonderful how you foster the support of one another in your lovely chateau.

This video means a lot. We all have highs and lows. I'm sorry for all your loss. Thankyou for showing all sides of chateau life.

Lovely video Stephanie. Kindest thoughts and regards to you all. You are so right. Taking in and really seeing all the beauty around us definitely helps when we are feeling low and life is tough ❤

You are all in our hearts at this sad time Stephanie❤️. Your videos no matter in good or sad times are always uplifting. Thank you

Thank you Stephanie for sharing even when you are not feeling so great. Your videos bring a ray of sunshine to me in my life, I’m so grateful to watch them and escape for a moment. Sending love your way 🌷💕🇧🇲

So many amazing blessings around! Thanks for sharing the beauty.