Travel Deeper. Write Boldly. Live Fully.

Hello! I’m Mary O.

Welcome! I’m a writer and passionate about writing books, guides, and articles that inform, empower, and inspire.

I write about diverse topics, but I am most passionate about writing about writing, people, places, travel, and living well, focusing on matters of particular interest to Africans and African Americans.

So, whether you are starting a new writing project, planning a travel adventure, or seeking ways to live the life you want for yourself, my guides are created with you in mind!

Travel Blog

  • Slow Travel After 60: Embrace the Art of Traveling Deeper
    These days, everyone’s talking about slow travel, the art of traveling intentionally, the wonders of moving at your own pace, and the joy of truly soaking in a destination. But what does slow travel really mean, especially for those of us in our 60s and beyond? As someone who has worked in the travel industry….
  • The Strange, Beautiful Pull of a Country You’ve Never Been To
    Have you ever felt an unexplainable pull to visit a country you’ve never set foot in? A place you have no ties to—no family roots, no ancestral connections, no practical reason to go—but still, something deep inside whispers, Go there. It’s a funny kind of pull, isn’t it? Mysterious. Intangible. Almost otherworldly. It makes you….
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Meals in West Africa
    What’s the Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian? Before we get into the delicious plant-based food options in West Africa, let’s clarify the basics. Vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, and fish but may consume dairy and eggs. Vegans take it a step further—no animal products at all, including dairy, eggs, and honey. If it comes from an….

Writing Inspiration

  • Why Reading Helps You Start Writing After 60
    Before you pick up that pen or open your laptop, I have a little secret to share: Don’t start writing, start reading. Sounds backward, doesn’t it? But it works.Sometimes, before you dive into your story, you just need to fall in love with words again. Reading reminds you why you wanted to write in the….

Mary’s Picks

Ready to explore the world, express yourself through writing, or live your best life after 50?

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