Often during March, our thoughts turn to travel.

We eagerly snowshoe our way to Spring Break, knowing that just a flight or two away- the world is waking up from its winter slumber. We may not see tulips or crocuses here yet, but lingering in the back of our minds is the awareness that the earth is stirring and change is coming. And sometimes, we want to be plucked up from our white wonderland and remind ourselves what it feels like to wear sandals.

This issue of ECHO is about going places, but in many respects, it’s about seizing opportunities to do something more with your moments. Whether you’re just out your back door or away across the globe, it’s a privilege to draw breath.

So as you embark on a journey or begin to look at Alaska with fresh eyes this March, look to share what you see with others. I am sure that you have a story to tell. And while I’m always looking for new writers to contribute to ECHO magazine, there is another way that you can share your moments and adventures with the community.

This month, the staff at ECHO invites you to enter our photo contest and share your shots that best tell a story.

Long-time photography teacher contest-judge Tom Cresap even dares you to do it. Look for Tom’s article and the contest specifics. We are hoping you will inundate us with your best photographs, whether you among the jet-set or just like to take stellar shots here at home. All are welcome. And all levels of experience are encouraged to submit their work. We all have moments worth sharing, so why not take the risk? The winner’s shot will appear on the cover of our May issue of ECHO.

And if you’re new to the world of photography, take a few tips from Frank Baker’s piece this month as he shares his experiences with outdoor photographers and finding the right moments for great shots.

But photography isn’t the only way we immortalize moments in life that we want to remember. In a tribute to a favorite pair of old boots, Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan shares how something commonplace can become beloved and symbolize some of our best times. Her story speaks to us about the power of mementos and the story they tell about where we’ve been.

And lest we forget, children are always eager to explore the world around them and share its wonder. In her latest homeschool how-to article, Meghan Wotring introduces us to the idea of “travel school” and offers excellent tips for taking homeschoolers to new locals for hands-on learning.

And finally, I hope you’ll take the time to read Sarah Rutkowski’s piece Portraits of Hope. Rather than using her vacation time for personal R&R, she opted to stretch herself by serving the community of Rio Grande in the Dominican Republic. She learned first-hand the power of photography to tell a story and touch lives.

So, enjoy reading this month. Enjoy traveling. Enjoy the last vestiges of winter in Alaska before breakup.

And if you have a story to tell, capture it in a photograph and share it with us. Life is marvelous and ever-budding. Spring is coming, and adventure awaits. Who knows? Perhaps your photos will touch our community. 

Stephanie Blake
Editor, ECHO Magazine