Living in the French countryside sounds like a dream come true, but sometimes, I find myself asking—can I handle it all on my own? The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of responsibilities, from collecting firewood and keeping the house in order to managing my animal communication sessions and filming the latest episode of Whispers from the Countryside.
The Reality of Rural Life
Many people romanticize countryside living—the peace, the fresh air, the slower pace—but the reality is that it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest is simply managing everything alone.
My husband, Jon, who handles the renovation work on our stone barn conversion, has been away, which means I am solely responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of our home and land. That means lifting heavy tree trunks, stacking firewood, keeping the house clean, and making sure everything is in working order before the seasons change. Some days, it feels like I’m constantly moving from one task to the next, barely stopping to catch my breath.
The Never-Ending To-Do List
The latest episode of Whispers from the Countryside gives an honest look at what my days have been like. I filmed myself carrying a massive, dead tree trunk across the garden—just one of the many that needed clearing. Then there’s the constant tidying, sweeping, and cleaning. At times, it feels overwhelming, but there’s something deeply satisfying about getting things done with my own two hands.
Of course, nature continues to remind me of its beauty. Between the hard work, I captured a stunning shot of a spider’s web glistening in the morning sun, perfectly suspended from an old plough in the front garden. The deer have also been more active, and I was lucky enough to film them playing in the garden, a gentle reminder of why I love this place so much.
Firewood, Chimneys, and a Few Worries
One of my biggest concerns lately has been the condition of our cottage chimney—it’s starting to collapse. Living in an old stone property comes with its own quirks, but major structural repairs like this are daunting. It’s one of those things that weighs on my mind, adding another layer of responsibility to an already long list.
At the same time, I’ve been gathering firewood, laying the fire, and making sure the house stays warm for both myself (and the cats, of course). There’s something comforting about the ritual of lighting the fire each afternoon—watching the flames dance, feeling the warmth spread through the room, and knowing that, despite the challenges, this life is still magical.
Animal Communication: The Heart of My Work
Amidst all the physical labour, I’ve been continuing my animal communication sessions, which remain the heart of my work. In this episode of Whispers from the Countryside, I touch on a session I had with a cat suffering from pancreatitis. The connection we shared was profound, and I’ve also been working with other incredible animals—Alfie, Little Man, Finn, and Phoebe—each with their own unique messages and wisdom. A special mention was made to my sister’s dog, Dixie, who tragically was run over and killed last week.
For those who are new to animal communication, it’s a deeply intuitive practice where I connect with animals—both living and in spirit—to receive their thoughts, emotions, and guidance. It never ceases to amaze me how much animals have to teach us, whether it’s about healing, love, or simply the importance of living in the present moment.
A Moment for Myself
As much as I love what I do, it’s important to take time for myself. After a long day of working, I finally sat down with a hot cup of coffee, letting out a deep sigh. I also took some time to journal—one of my favorite ways to reflect on my thoughts and process everything that’s going on.
And then, of course, there are the cats. If there’s one thing I can always count on, it’s their ability to bring a smile to my face. Whether it’s Nala going completely wild attacking a blanket or Jabari following me around the garden, their presence is a constant source of joy.
Let’s Stay Connected
As I wrap up this blog post, I want to mention something important. My newsletter, A Letter from the Countryside, has evolved over time. Originally, it was focused purely on animal communication, but I now include updates about my life, the barn renovation, and my experiences in the French countryside. However, I realize that not everyone may be interested in every aspect of my journey.
That’s why I’m now giving subscribers the option to choose what they receive. If you’d prefer to get only the animal communication updates, you can do so! And of course, if you love reading about everything—animal communication, rural life, and the ups and downs of living in an old stone barn—you can continue to receive the full newsletter.
A Special Note: Celebrating My Birthday
Before I go, I have one more personal note to share—this past week, I celebrated my 52nd birthday! It’s been a time of reflection, gratitude, and looking ahead to what’s next. Last year was a big year of growth for me, and I’m excited to see what this next year will bring.
To mark the occasion, I want to share a special poem that was written for me by a client and friend:
In Every Heartbeat
In every heartbeat, she weaves her grace,
Inspirational spirit, a radiant embrace.
A gifted soul with dreams that soar,
Her light of compassion, we all adore.
Empathy blossoms in her kind gaze,
Guiding the lost through the maze.
A steady hand, a gentle guide,
In her presence, we find our stride.
Through trials and triumphs, she stands tall,
Her strength and wisdom inspire us all.
A beacon of hope, in dark or light,
Her love and courage, ever so bright.
So, on this day, let’s celebrate,
A woman whose gifts never abate.
With heartfelt cheers and joyous song,
We honor her, where she belongs.
Happy birthday, to one so rare,
With boundless love, beyond compare.
May your days be filled with endless cheer,
For you are treasured, oh so dear.
Watch the Latest Episode
If you’d like to see all of this in action—my daily life, the beautiful moments in nature, and my work with animal communication—be sure to watch the latest episode of Whispers from the Countryside. And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss an update!
📺 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/@colleenkersey
Thank you for being here and following along on this journey with me. Whether you’re here for the countryside stories, the animal communication insights, or a little bit of both, I appreciate you.
Until next time, Colleen ❤️
