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The Barefoot Beat

  • South America, Travel Stories

    Savages

    “Are they savages? I mean…do they have religion?” These were questions fielded in my direction when discussing my recent travels. I am at a loss to answer. I hesitate, “What do you…

    December 4, 2012 by Mariah
  • Faith

    Laughing, and smiling, and running

          When I got the call from my Dad last week I knew it was serious. They were taking my grandma to the emergency room. I had just seen her…

    December 1, 2012 by Mariah
  • Faith, South America, Travel Stories

    A Universal Conspiracy

            I have been spending far too many hours indoors since my arrival home from Ecuador and I’m starting to feel cooped up. As afternoon approaches I decide to…

    November 20, 2012 by Mariah
  • Life Musings

    A dash, a touch, a dollop

            I’m still sick from my wanderlusting and plummeting back into work with little chance for recovery upon return. Four days of freedom stretch ahead of me, just in…

    November 18, 2012 by Mariah
  • Life Musings, Travel Stories

    Jaw dropping and ear popping

           My ears are still full of air. No matter how hard I lean my head to the left and to the right, everything has a muffled tone. I hear…

    November 14, 2012 by Mariah
  • South America, Travel Stories

    Leaving Ecuador

         `The doors of Ecuador are always open to you,` I`m told by a young man sitting next to me on one of my last bus rides. Somehow the people are starting…

    November 10, 2012 by Mariah
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About Me

About MeHello! I'm Mariah. I'm a travel writer, poet, and debut novelist living in Southeast Tennessee with my husband and son. In 2013, I quit my job as an ICU nurse to backpack solo around the world—a journey that became the foundation for my debut novel, "The Pattern Shop" (coming in 2026!). I started this blog to share those adventures and have been documenting my journey of finding home, healing, and a simple life of adventure ever since. When I'm not writing, you'll find me exploring the outdoors, advocating for social justice, and cultivating community. My hope is to inspire you to live your own life of love and adventure, wherever you are. Let's do this, together!

Popular Posts

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