Irish Author Emma Maree was in Denver last month to promote her new children’s book “The Magic in You.” Her stay included an invitation to Barnes & Noble on Colorado Blvd. were she read and signed autographs in the children’s area.

The story of “The Magic in You” begins in Belize, located along the north eastern coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. As the only British colony in the region, the country’s independence was recognized in the latter part of the 20th century.
Rich in natural scenery and a tropical climate, tourists are also attracted to outdoor activities that include the Belize Barrier Reef, offshore islands, excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, rivers for rafting and kayaking, jungle and wildlife reserves for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well as many Mayan ruins.

The majority of people who live in Belize are on a modest income. Society is diverse with many cultures and languages, many citizens share an African heritage, like the stories central character Mike Usher.

Mike is introduced to the reader as a young boy with big dreams who had chats with the moon. He kept his big dreams alive into his adulthood and continued to believe that “liquid magic” flowed underneath the waters off his native country of Belize, even when expert oilmen drilled repeatedly with no success. A chance meeting with an enthusiastic Irish woman named Susan who believes in his dream, a conversation with the wizard Merlquin, and a trip to Ireland to team with like minded adventurers, bring Mike’s dream to fruition.

Fortuitously, the story of Mike’s dream was brought to Denver on Martin Luther King Day, who coined the memorable words. “I had a dream”. Coincidently both of their dreams continue to live on past their deaths. Both of their dreams also shared a common denominator of helping humanity. Mike’s dream continued not because he was obsessed with becoming rich, but because of his passion to help the people in his country and make a difference in the world.
In keeping his dream energized, the inclusion of a bigger picture than himself seemed to be a key in Michael’s success. How important is this component of inclusiveness to find the ‘magic’ in us and make our dreams and goals happen? Perhaps you could paraphrase another one of Dr. King’s quotes and say “All endeavors that uplift people are worthwhile?

Colorado Connection: The Magic in You is based more on fact then fiction and at the end of the book you will find a synopsis of the true story behind Belize Oil at the end of the book. The happy Irish lady who befriended Mike in real life is Susan Morrice who resides with her family in Colorado when not in Belize, Ireland, or flying on her “super transporting machine.”

Pat McCullough/Celtic Connection February 2012 (Belize Travel and Wikiperdia credit travel information)