June 18, 1852

Ah. That was a productive writing session. Ethan and I had eaten dinner at the waterfall in the style of a picnic. As I was eating, I was jotting down ideas for my piece. I bid a farewell to Ethan once we got back to the hotel, almost ran up the stairs to my room, and immediately started composing. Three hours later, my first masterpiece created in America was complete. It is a clarinet-piano duet called “Breathing the Waterfall”. It captures the gentleness of the mist in the form of a legato andante, and then switches to a marcato march style to capture the rushing water. Then it goes to a legato lullaby to end with the sunset--which we saw last night, as well. Again, absolutely breathtaking.

I have planned that, since Ethan has to take care of a few details in light of his decision to travel alongside me, I would go out and talk to a couple locals to discern their thoughts on the new America. Ethan informed me that he wouldn’t be available until either tonight or tomorrow morning, which gives me the whole day to receive insight.

~ One Hour Later ~

I just spoke to a young man named Robert Smith. Bright young man. He told me about how America - specifically the North - has been undergoing industrialization, which is the development of industries widespread across the country. He spoke with such ecstacy! Robert was a factory owner who, before the industrial revolution, relied on sailing ships to ship his goods to the South, West, and to other countries as well. These ships would get blown away in strong currents and his goods would be gone. With the invention of steamboats by Robert Fulton in 1807, he could safely export his goods without them getting damaged, as the steamboats were strong enough to withstand the currents. Thus, the economy in New York and the North in general took a boost. He told me he has many friends in the factoring industry, and that they wanted factories and trading to surpass agricultural economy.

~ Two Hours Later ~

After lunch, I bumped into a young girl - Julie - whom I asked about her life here in New York. She told me about the Lowell Mills, where she worked. As it was Sunday, she had the day off, hence her being in the market. She couldn’t have been older than 14, yet she was working 12 hours a day, and 6 days a week just to support her family.

That made me realize that if I were to stay in the North, more than likely I would be made to work in these Mills. Julie told me about the accidents that have happened, with limbs getting tangled and severed in machinery. I definitely would not want that to happen to me. My limbs are very important to my work, not to mention my day to day lives. However, that’s not to say I don’t like the North. It’s hustle makes everyone seems so busy and working towards what they want in life, in either big or little steps. And truly that is what life is about; working towards your goals. You can’t wait for success to come to you; you have to make it come to you. I can sense the work ethic in the air, and I deeply love that.

Today is our last day here in the North. Tomorrow we shall head South, by the Erie Canal! On a flatboat! I cannot wait!!