Total Number of Pages: 41

It was well after midnight and my husband and I were living on the upper west side of Manhattan. Long silhouettes of gas lamps stretched down the street as the moon shone it's majestic light over them. Even more magical was the moon's reflection on the Hudson river as it captured the gentle ripples moving across the river's glass-like surface. It was so peaceful, a bit nostalgic, even romantic. The neighborhood was fast asleep, the city was quiet. I could think and breathe with clarity, cocoon into a snuggly mental space. It's one of those moments I wish I could freeze and be in forever. Everything was perfect.

In a Audrey Hepburn/Sabrina way, that particular moment sent me day/night dreaming of one of those Hampton parties one would see in the movies. Gentlemen looking dapper in tuxes and women floating from one conversation to another in their wispy gowns. Large paper lanterns are strewn across a back lawn and a band with strings is playing gorgeous ballads on an open air stage. The scent of gardenias and the ocean waft through the air. Then, we watch 'that' couple find their way to a hidden part of the garden to steal one romantic dance together. *sigh* We've moved from watching the screen to becoming one of the characters and want to hold onto this moment for as long as we can ... before the music stops, before party scene ends, before the demands of life take over again.

And that's when my fingers touched the harp to create this tune … Before Dawn.