About Abby

As the author of The Alchemy of Loss: A Young Widow’s Transformation and Remember The Moon, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of creativity when dealing with loss. After the tragic loss of my husband, Arron, in the 9/11 attacks, I found solace and catharsis in writing. What began as a personal outlet soon blossomed into a memoir that resonated with readers worldwide. The Alchemy of Loss is not just a recounting of my own journey through grief; it's a testament to the messy, beautiful, and ultimately hopeful process of rebuilding life after loss.

My second book, Remember The Moon emerged from a whimsical yet profound exploration of the afterlife. Inspired by my own experiences and conversations with a psychic, this novel offers a unique perspective on love, loss, and the eternal journey of the soul. Through humor and heartache, it delves into the complexities of grief and the enduring bonds that transcend death.

After experiencing another profound loss and heartache a few years ago, I rediscovered painting as a form of healing and self-expression. As I stood amidst the emptiness of my beloved Seattle firehouse grappling with this new loss, I felt compelled to fill that void with light, color, beauty and joy. Armed with a beginner's set of acrylic paints and a wealth of online resources, I embarked on a journey of rediscovery, immersing myself in new techniques, styles, and vibrant hues. Much like the way I found solace in writing after the death of my husband, painting became my cathartic outlet, allowing me to explore the depths of my emotions and reclaim pieces of myself.

Crafting Community Through Creativity

My artistic journey is not just about self-expression; it's about building connections and fostering community. As I navigate the complexities in this second half of my life, I've come to understand the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies this stage. With children grown and marriages evolved, many women find themselves seeking ways to lead fulfilling lives while grappling with the fear of fading into society's periphery.

The decision to purchase Chateau de Borie was born out of yet another deep yearning for transformation. With my children busy with their own lives and friends dispersing, I found myself feeling stagnant, longing for change. Inspired by my late husband's words—"If you don’t like your life, change it"—I embarked on a journey to France, seeking adventure and renewal. What began as a whimsical pursuit of what I assumed was an elusive dream of chateau ownership, evolved into my purchase of Chateau de Borie in August 2022, a charming chateau nestled in the countryside of Southwest France. Despite many doubts and uncertainties, I followed my intuition, and I haven’t looked back.

My love for old houses runs deep, rooted in a childhood spent traversing from one home to another. Each house left its imprint on me, shaping my sense of identity and belonging. Old homes, in particular, hold a special allure, evoking images of lives lived and stories untold. For me, houses symbolize both change and continuity—a constant reminder of the ever-shifting nature of life and the quest for a place to call home.

Rekindling the Creative Flame at Chateau de Borie

I firmly believe that we are all innately creative beings, and that reconnecting with our creativity is the key to healing the soul. For too long, I was trapped in the confines of widowhood, almost becoming what I humorously called a "professional widow." But now, I've retired from widowhood and I am re-embracing my old mantra: to live an “unintentional life.”

Chateau de Borie embodies this philosophy. It is a sanctuary for those seeking to rekindle their creative flame and rediscover a sense of purpose and joy. In the midst of this chateau-buying journey, I've come to realize that home isn't just a physical space; it's a feeling—a sense of belonging and connection.

Whether you are walking through the sunlit rooms of the chateau, sharing stories over a meal with fellow writers, or drawing inspiration from the stunning surroundings, Chateau de Borie is a place where creativity and community thrive. Here, home is not found in the walls around us but in the memories and connections we create. Join me and find your "home" in the shared experiences and collective inspiration at Chateau de Borie.