"Don't let yesterday take up much of today"

"--I'll be sorry not so see what happens next, he said.  --I wish I could stick around a few more years.

--Yes, Loon said.

--You have to remember.  Take care of the kids.  They're the ones who matter.  You have to teach them everything I've taught you, and everything you've learned on your own.  It will only go well if we keep passing it all along.  There are no secrets, there is no mystery.  We make all that up.  In fact it's all right there in front of us.  You have to have enough food to get through the winter and spring.  That's what it all comes down to.  You have to live in a way that will gather enough food each fall to get through winter.  And you, you have to live your life, youth.  You can help Heather.  Be sure to do that.  The old witch will need it.  She's getting on herself.  She won't like it, but she'll need help.  You'll have to see that without her asking.

--I'll try.

--Good.  Listen to me now.  Bad things don't just grow on one path, they're everywhere.  So don't blame yourself when those things happen.  Don't let yesterday take up much of today.  You've always been good at that.  Just keep telling the stories around the fire.  That's what needs to be carried on."

-- Kim Stanley Robinson, Shaman