Marian Van Eyk McCain's Page

I am an author, a writer and editor/co-editor of several publications
I care deeply about green spirituality, simple living and the vital role of elders in healing the damage humans have done to our lovely Earth.

Plato said "every man, before he dies, should do four things: father a son, build a house, write a book, and plant a tree”. He didn't say what he thought a woman should do. (Just as well, probably). But I am happy that I've built a house, written books, birthed two children and planted hundreds of trees. I feel very fulfilled now.

I come from Plymouth in SW England, from whence the Mayflower sailed. (Though I am told she actually started her voyage in Southampton). I've spent most of my 72+ years living elsewhere (Australia and the US), and being a whole range of things including a psychologist, psychotherapist, writer, author and editor. I have two daughters, two stepsons, a selection of grandchildren and step-grandchildren, all spread around the USA from coast to coast. I circled home to my roots after retirement and now live in Devon again, this time in a village.

I live in a tiny cottage (350 square feet total living space) with my second husband and soul-mate, Sky. Here's a picture of us...

Our cottage is at the edge of a village, down a little lane that's just ten feet wide. Nice and peaceful and not much traffic. We love the country life, and the ability to grow some of our own food.

I am the author of several books. Two of those are about women and the ageing process. The first, which was published in 1991 by Bergin & Garvey, is called Transformation through Menopause and the second is ELDERWOMAN: Reap the wisdom, feel the power, embrace the joy (Findhorn Press, 2002). My third book The Lilypad List: 7 steps to the simple life, (Findhorn Press, 2004) is a primer for anyone interested in simplifying and downshifting .At the moment, I am editing a book called GreenSpirit: Path to a new consciousness, which is to be published by O-Books in late 2009 or early 2010.

I have a website , a newsletter and a social networking site like this one that’s especially for Elderwomen. And I also edit a newsletter and maintain a website for the Wholesome Food Association (that's Sky's pet project) and am co-editor of The GreenSpirit Journal.
I love my life.