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

  • Healthcare in Ghana: What You Need to Know Before Moving or Retiring There
    I know what it’s like to need healthcare in Ghana, and not just because I’ve researched the system, but because I’ve been sick there. It’s one thing to know about taking safety precautions when you travel, but in spite of all your diligent efforts, you can still get sick. And no matter how careful you….
  • Where Should You Live in Ghana? My Favorite Areas for Women Over 50
    One of the questions I hear most often is: “What’s the best place to live in Ghana?” My answer is always the same: “Tell me what kind of life you want.” If you’re planning a move to Ghana, you may enjoy my complete guide, Moving to Ghana After 50, where I walk through the entire….
  • Renting an Apartment in Ghana: What I Learned from Renting Two Apartments in Accra
    Renting an apartment in Accra, isn’t for the fainthearted. One thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I prefer living in ordinary Ghanaian neighborhoods rather than expat enclaves. That’s where I experience Ghana most deeply. When I first started visiting Ghana, I stayed with friends in Achimota, the people I now fondly….

Writing Inspiration

  • Creative Sparks: Small Daily Rituals to Ignite Your Imagination
    Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is not the writing itself. It’s getting started. And it’s not because you don’t have anything to say. It’s because your mind feels full, distracted, or just not quite ready yet. I’ve found that creativity doesn’t always arrive on command. It often needs a little invitation. What I would….

Mary’s Picks

  • Book Recommendation: Your Guide to Safer Travel
    This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support my work and allow me to continue creating thoughtful travel and lifestyle content. Thank you for your support. Traveling is one of life’s great joys, but to….
  • Book Recommendation: A Guide to Travel Safety & Security for Solo Female Travelers
    Are you a woman who wants to travel somewhere but hesitate because there’s no one to travel with you, or because you’re afraid to travel on your own? If that sounds familiar, then this guide may be just what you need. Recently, I read a very practical and visually appealing travel safety guide titled, A….
  • Mary’s Pick: Pure Shea Butter – Raw Goodness
    Why I Love It: Let’s be honest. As we age (gracefully, of course), our skin needs a little more tender, loving care. Enter shea butter, my secret weapon. Unrefined. Earthy. Medicine for the soul of the skin. No additives, no perfume, just nature doing its thing. Pure, raw shea butter melts onto the skin like….

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

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