---

As I left a great breakout session at the ICF conference in Quebec City, I glanced up to see huge snowflakes falling outside. You know those fat, fluffy ones that seem to linger in the air. My head told me to check the schedule, grab some water, and head for the next breakout. My heart said run and play in the snow.

I went over to the window and looked down on the ancient church and courtyard across the street, and the heart tugs grew stronger. I hurried to my room, grabbed my heavy coat, boots, scarf and gloves and ran out into the snow. As I walked across and into the little courtyard, I saw a sign in French that said,” Courtyard of the Birds.” Little sound boxes were placed around the perimeter of the cobblestone courtyard, and I could hear the singing of birds everywhere I walked. I looked up and the leaves were still a vibrant yellow, and the whole world seemed covered with a white blanket. I threw my head back to catch snow on my tongue.

In that moment, I remembered walking in the snow with my Canadian Grandmother in Ottawa when I was five. My mother, brother and I had ridden the train up from Texas, and my grandmother had bought me the most beautiful pair of lace-up snow boots. The two of us had walked, laughed, and played together around the frozen lake. It was a precious memory and the last one I have of her. What a wonderful moment of joy and longing. I felt a real belonging in Canada. As I walked back to the conference, my heart was happy.

---

Copyright 2004 Life Upgrade All Rights Reserved