About
My love for adventure inspired me to pursue a career in the military. After more than 47 years serving in the South Carolina National Guard, I retired with a wealth of unique experiences. Reflecting on those years, I realize nothing else could have offered such extraordinary opportunities. The people I met along the way were remarkable and left a lasting impression on me. Following my retirement, I sought new ways to travel with purpose and create memories. This led me to start a travel blog—an ideal platform to deepen my understanding of the places I visit, connect with new people, and continually nurture my adventurous spirit.
In 2018, I launched my travel blog, Travel Notes & Storytelling, and soon after, I developed a passion for photography. Traveling, capturing moments, and crafting stories that both inspire and educate others have become my true calling. Each destination, near or far, offers its own unique charm and deepens my appreciation for adventure. Living in South Carolina is a privilege; its mountains, rivers, lakes, seashores, and vibrant communities provide endless inspiration. Planning each trip begins with reading about the destination, delving into its history, and researching the best places to photograph. Preparing for a journey, documenting it, and capturing it through my lens are processes I genuinely cherish and that continually fuel my adventurous nature.
My passion for adventure and my thoughtful approach to travel have enriched my life in countless ways.
Sharing my stories and photographs has helped me forge deeper connections with people. Many of those I meet on my travels contribute by reviewing my stories, ensuring they remain authentic and true to our shared experiences. One memorable example is my story about a vibrant cooking class in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighborhood—“Colorful Cooking Experience in Bo-Kaap.” Gamidah Jacobs, who welcomed us into her home and shared her culinary expertise, generously reviewed my account for accuracy. These collaborations allow me to learn more about the individuals I encounter. Every story and photograph holds meaning and value, continually satisfying my love for adventure. I also appreciate that both writing and photography are crafts that improve with practice—another source of motivation for me.
My travel blog serves as a powerful tool, deepening my understanding of the places I visit and allowing me to share my stories and images with others. It’s a constant learning journey, pushing me to grow as both a traveler and storyteller.
Biography
Brigadier General Marie Goff, U.S. Army Retired, completed over 37 years of military service in the United States Army and the South Carolina National Guard....
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Publication Features
In addition to my travel stories on my blog, you can also read my adventures in other publications. Click below to see some of my features!
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Women from S.C. inspire future generations with their remarkable military service.
On Oct 29, 1978, an Act of Congress disestablished the Women’s Army Corps. Two years earlier, in 1976, women were accepted into the Air Force on an equal basis with men. Women from South Carolina began making strides in rank and position as they entered the Army and Air Force....
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Inspiration for the Journey
Noma Nazish writes in Forbes, “Five Reasons Why Travel Is Good for Your Mental Health,“ “reduce stress, reinvent yourself, happiness and satisfaction, mental resilience, and to enhance creativity.” All true! I enjoy writing about people, events, food, activities, landscapes, ecology, and the history of the places I visit. I strive...
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Invest Your Earnings Regularly to Live Your Dream in Retirement
It should have been easy! It would be easy, or at least I thought it would. I knew what was coming and knew what to do! Thankfully, I had used the magic of compound interest and early investing. As it turned out, retirement was not easy for me either. It’s...
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