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

  • How I Stay Comfortable on 10+ Hour Flights (Even in Economy)
    Long flights are nothing new to me. In fact, I’ve been traveling long distances for most of my life. From an early age, I was flying back and forth between continents, between the United States, Canada, Nigeria, and later Ghana. Travel has always been part of my story. But here’s what I’ve learned over time:….
  • What Not to Pack for Ghana: Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
    This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases with no extra cost to you. One of the most frustrating packing mistakes I ever made happened just before a trip to Ghana. My ride to the airport was arriving in less than an hour, and I was….
  • Traveling in Uncertain Times
    Traveling in uncertain times. Stay close to home, or keep exploring? For the past six or seven years, I’ve made it a habit to take at least one major international trip each year. Travel has never been just a pastime for me. It has been a way of life, a way of learning, and a….

Writing Inspiration

  • Finding Writing Inspiration in Music
    This morning, I was listening to classical music as I drove through a quiet stretch of road not far from home. The road winds gently through a series of small hills and shallow valleys, and on this particular morning a light mist hung in the air. It was cool, peaceful, and just foggy enough to….

Mary’s Picks

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

A Red Sunflower Website