One little girl, confined to the space of 2 airplane seats, occupied by mom and dad. Mom trying to amuse her. Singing a song, playing a game, looking at books and magazines. Dad, fervently studying papers in his hand. Diagrams of sort. One read Reserve Pack guide. Another, Rip Cord. Ah… Military notes. He read them over and over. His little girl interrupting every so often. Vying for his attention. He would look at her and smile. Patient. Loving. He then went back to his sheets. Quietly repeating each step aloud. Hand gestures signaling he got it, then he would move on to the next. After a few moments he handed the sheets to his wife. She would quiz him.

Eventually the little girl fell asleep. Sprawled out stomach down across her mom and dad’s legs. So peaceful. Now, mom could rest. She closed her eyes and fell asleep, tucked under her husbands arm. Wrapped around her, in complete security. The plane was dark, except for one dimly lit light. It pointed on his papers. Little girl across his legs. Arm around his wife. Papers in the other hand, still studying. It was a moment that touched me. So beautiful.

This family sat next to me on the plane to Houston. As I observed this moment. I wish desperately I could take a picture. For me, to remember how beautiful love is. For them, to have to remember this time in their lives. Probably difficult as he goes through training. None the less loving. As I remembered I had my camera in my bag and thought about grabbing it and asking to take a picture, the cabin lights came on…moment gone. I wanted to tell this man how much I respected him. How beautiful his family was. To encourage him to keep pushing. But I was chicken. I decided to write about it so I would never forget that moment.

Today, I’m thankful for love. So full, so inspiring, so comforting. Today, I celebrate the loved ones around me. Happy Thanksgiving.

Its finally cool here in Georgia and after shopping the past few months for fall clothes, I was overly excited to put on my boots and sweaters at the slightest drop in temperature. I love the seasonal changes and of course the fashion that comes with it. Here are a few of my favorite things for fall 2010:

1. What is that mess on the top left corner? Well that is the smoreiffic and caloric fest of Golden Graham Bars. I had never had one before and when a friend handed her homemade goodie to me I was in heaven. I recommend these to everyone.

2. Sweaters, leggings and boots: My favorite combination. I will be wearing these 3 pieces pretty much 6 out of 7 days in the week. When I am really feeling fancy, I’ll even through on a belt around the sweater. This look is so easy, comfortable, and uber stylish that its my favorite look to rock. I actually own the boots in the picture and they are ridiculously comfortable. I LOVE them.

3.  Starbucks: Its cold! Get a Starbucks. Any excuse will work. Nothing like that white cup in your hand on a cool fall day.

4. Loreal Double Extend Mascara: My friend Jennifer raved about this mascara…and then she let me try it. I have never been much of a mascara girl- but once I tried it, I had to go out and get my own. IMMEDIATELY.

5.  Faux leather Jackets, or minus the leather Express would say. These are so cute with dresses or even leggings. It’s what I am wearing on the 7th day of the week.

6. Fedora Hat: I don’t have one yet…but I really really want one. I have seen people wear them with just jeans and a t-shirt and it just adds a little something to the look to make it look more stylish.  I will own one soon.

7. Silver Nail Polish: It’s the new black nail polish. I think I like it even better because I have it on now and no one has asked me if I am going goth or celebrating Halloween.

So there you have it: My favorite things. Feel free to add your own in the comments!