Why I Write

“The act of writing forces an examination of the subject through research, analysis, and expression, whether the topic is physics or phys ed.” – Thomas C. Foster

Currently, I am reading “How to Write Like a Writer,” by Thomas C. Foster. So far, so good. The reason I chose this book is because I write a lot. Primarily for social media, but I also write in other parts of my life as well. From emails to post for the parents of my students. Am a professional writer, not even close. I primarily write as a hobby, and as a way to express myself. Sometimes I write about things I consider myself an expert on, and other times I don’t. What amazes me is when I write about something unfamiliar. I find that going through the process of writing makes the subject clearer. As a teacher, I already knew this. But as writer, I didn’t think of that. When I reflect on that, I realize I will often start writing about something. Then thoughts just come spilling out onto my screen. Often those thoughts are me processing a subject. I hope that while I am processing something, you are able to process it with me.

I started posting photos of our trip to Alaska a couple of months ago. During the process, I learned about the Alaskan Gold Rush. I learned the most about it when reflecting on the photos I captured of the Great White Pass Expressway. I write about my experiences on trips in order to remember them and reflect on how great they were. Here are some facts about the White Pass Scenic Railway. 1) Created During the Klondike Gold Rush. The gold rush is what brought most people to Alaska during the late 1800s. The Railway was built to transport people from the coast to the inland where gold was being found. 2) Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. To build the Railway was a feat in modern engineering. It shares this designation with structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal. 3) Climbs From Sea Level to 2,888 Feet at the Summit. It’s a tall climb from the beginning until the end. The views on the way up are incredible. 4) Passes Over Dead Horse Gulch. There are many historical landmarks along the way, but this one sticks out for many many reasons. Dead Horse Gulch gets its name from the 3,000 horses that died there. This happened at that one spot on the trail during the gold rush. This sight shows the brutality and the desperation of those seeking gold. .5) It Crosses the Border into Canada. This was my first time visiting Canada, and it wasn’t the last.