Coffee O'Clock

First Sight

As I looked up at the antique clock on the wall across from the table I was sitting at in Nostalgia Café, I couldn’t seem to shake the strange feeling that my entire life was about to change somehow. On the surface, this morning seemed like any other, but it felt like there was a tinge of electricity in the air that wasn’t normally there, heightening the senses to something special. I tried to ignore it, sip my coffee, and simply read the next article in my morning paper. Maybe when destiny calls we instinctively know?

The door to Nostalgia Café opened up, the bell chimed, and there she stood – my future wife. Of course, I couldn’t have known that’s who she was at the time, could I? Seeing her for the first time felt like I had been waiting for her my entire life and that fate had brought me to the café for this very moment. I was elated, surprised, excited, and confused – all at once – and never more thankful to be in such a state. I wasn’t sure that she saw me as she headed to the front counter to place an order, but after she got her coffee she turned around and we locked eyes for the first time. In that instant, we both knew life was about to change for the better. We could see it in each other’s eyes, and it was as if our hearts began to beat at the same sweet rhythm from that moment on.

Fearlessly, she sat right down at my table and said hello as I peeked out at her overtop of my newspaper. I managed to get out a response, a quiet hello in return that sounded like shock mixed with amazement. She smiled her beautiful smile, and curiously observed that she’d never seen me in the café before. She said she was sure that she would have noticed, and I could feel myself blush. “Have you ever felt like you were in the right place at the right time?” she asked. “Something about seeing you here seems so familiar, yet I know I’ve never met you before. Is it déjà vu? I haven’t even been here in weeks, but I felt like it was necessary to come here today for some reason, as if life itself would pass me by if I didn’t drop in, you know?”

I was gazing into her extraordinarily beautiful eyes, happy to be lost in them forever. I could hear her words vividly, but they were so distant as if they were floating to my mind upon the breath of the wind. As I snapped back to reality upon seeing that she was waiting for an answer I playfully replied, “I guess it’s coffee o’clock?” and smiled at her. “Maybe you just really needed some caffeine this morning.” She smiled back but didn’t seem totally satisfied with my answer, so I tried again. “Or maybe you’re still dreaming?” I stammered. “Maybe I am too? Or maybe this is what it feels like when dreams become reality?” That was how I honestly felt, and from the sparkle in her eye I could see that she felt the same way too.

We went on to create an instant friendship with the underlying hope of it becoming so much more, and we talked for what felt like an eternity as the clock counted the minutes away. The astounding ease of meeting and talking with this incredible woman felt like things I’d only ever read about in fairy tales, and I never wanted it to end, though I knew it would have to.

Sure enough, she said she had to leave for work. With one last longing look shared between us she asked, “Will you meet me here again tomorrow morning, at coffee o’clock?” Of course, I would be there with bells on. Because when your destiny calls, you have to be ready to answer.

Coffee O'Clock

Alphonse Nguyen

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My debut EP! $4+ CAD for digital download. Currently I can only sell to Canada. First Sight Memory of Hope The Foot and the Sock Simplicity Cool Beans Bonus track: "Courtship for Two" (available for purchase, unavailable Read more

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First Sight 3:39
First Sight
by Alphonse Nguyen
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Memory of Hope 5:00
Memory of Hope
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The Foot and the Sock 4:18
The Foot and the Sock
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Simplicity 3:24
Simplicity
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Cool Beans 2:45
Cool Beans
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Courtship for Two 4:31
Courtship for Two
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Songs Without Words: Coffee O’Clock - debut EP released on July 12/24

Coffee o’clock is happy o’clock, meditation o’clock, recharge o’clock, peace and quiet o’clock. Finish your mug during the time it’ll take for you to listen to this album as you enjoy some well-deserved me o’clock.

(stream // sheet music // music videos // ringtone for “First Sight” available on iTunes)

[01] First Sight

This beautifully evocative piece communicates the moment when two people glance at each other for the first time. Their eyes briefly lock together and then quickly dart away. Working up the courage to say hello, they can’t help but wonder about all the magical possibilities.

[02] Memory of Hope

A gentle reflection on how the tiniest spark of inspiration can blossom into the breathtaking moments that define our lives. A stunning piece that looks back on the sweetness of memories from long ago and reveals how the beauty of nostalgia continues to play a significant role in who we are, every single day.

[03] The Foot and the Sock

A gorgeously melodic dose of audible sincerity that honours the bond that we discover in true love. As genuinely playful as it is endearing, as moving as it is meaningful, it’s an uplifting moment in time that echoes the spirit of staying forever young with the person you were always meant to be with.

[04] Simplicity

A soul-soothing piece that recognizes how many of the best moments in life come naturally. It’s a reminder about appreciating the serenity of all that surrounds us, showing gratitude to its splendour and never forgetting that the most extraordinary aspects of life and love are universally available, to be shared by all.

[05] Cool Beans

You’ve had your cup of Joe, or two or three. You finally feel awake, you finally feel alive. Refreshed, you are ready to take on the day, maybe even the world. It’s okay that you still can’t find your to-do list. Things have a way of working themselves out, and nothing can bring you down.

("Courtship for Two” from Penguin Suite is the bonus track for Coffee O'Clock)

So, about 7 years ago I finally had the courage to start making my dream come true. I wanted to share my music with the world. Even if nothing came of it, I didn’t want to regret not trying.

Looking back at my records it seems that I wrote “First Sight” 19 years ago and “Memory of Hope” 20 years ago . . . time flies!

"The Foot and the Sock" was 16 years ago (written for my wife back when we were dating). "Simplicity"? 18 years ago. And "Cool Beans", 15 years ago. The bonus track, "Courtship for Two", which is from a different project, was written 17 years ago.