the ideal life versus the idle life

there is a quote by mark twain that says 'good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.' what is your idea of an ideal life?

i have an 'ideal moment' pictured in my head. it is:
sitting in the sun in a comfy cushioned chair, sipping on a hot tea with honey. the sky is deep blue and cloud-free. the birds in the nearby trees are chirping and the dog is asleep below the chair. a slight breeze is blowing so i can smell the fresh-cut grass and an occasional whiff of the roses and lilacs. a hardcover book is resting on my lap. peaceful solitude... completely, totally, decadently idle.

i don't think that it would make an ideal life. i think the ideal life should involve people and hard work and the feeling of satisfaction from helping others, from knowing you did a job well. it involves being weary from doing the right thing and choosing to do the right thing anyway.

with maybe the occasional 'ideal moment' thrown in too.

how does your garden grow?

i'm planning my garden:

pansies

salsa garden (tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, green peppers, cilantro)

lilacs

raspberries

cranberry orange chicken

serving size: 4 oz

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3 boneless chicken breast browned and chopped up
1 cup orange juice
1 orange rind zested
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar

cut up and brown your chicken breast
once the chicken is browned, add all ingredients to crock pot. cook on high for 1/2 hour, then set to low. cook 6-8 hours
have over rice or egg noodles
add some steamed broccoli and your meal is under 500 calories.

look at this

*insert picture of my new pitcher*

bravo bag

i am finally done! it is like one of those designer handbags you pay thousands for, except completely different. i'll post pics.

i love aprons!

i love aprons. i really, really want these ones below!

feel free to send me a link to your favorite apron pictures.

they can be found here if you love them too:
http://store.annamariahorner.com/vintagebouquet.html

homemade peach jelly and strawberry fields

whoot! cross that off my bucket list. i made jelly, lovely homemade jelly. :)