Go.  See there?  the fallen tree over the babbling brook singing to you of adventure.  At that, the mossy trail.  Follow it to and down the leafed path.

Greet the old man who has something to tell you – and listen.  He will teach you how never to be hungry.

Practice the skills he has shared with you so that when you are alone, or afraid, you will know just what to do.

Lay the sticks for the fire just so.  There must be spaces but not too much.  Fire, like people. needs room to breath as well as elbows to touch in companionship.

Gather the magic food that will sustain you.  Chant a small thanksgiving to the forest sprites who have delivered it, who guard the supplies, who are being gracious in the sharing of their holy bounty.

Ask the fire to warm you as it warms your food.  Ask the fire for the blessing of wild things that maintain care of their power.  Acknowledge the ability of all things to hold safety and harm at the same time.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor.  Whisper “thank you” to the bees that kissed the flowers, the trees that ripened the fruit,  the hands that milled the flour, and the roads that bore the travelers who labored to bring you this feast.  And whisper “thank you” again.    Put a share in the crook of the old tree with the nest in its branches, so that forest folk (fairy and imp, bird and butterfly) may also not go hungry.

When you are finished, when you have eaten your fill and shared your meal, put the fire back to sleep carefully, leaving the forest, the old man, and your experience in peace.

Travel back by the leafed path, then over  the mossy trail, and across the fallen tree above the babbling brook that sings you home.