The Faces of Hard Times

Farmer/philosopher David Mas Masumoto writes about the economic crisis of 2009, and compares it with the Great Depression of the 1930s. Click here to read Mas' column. Today's column in The Bee's Vision section is beautifully illustrated by Fresno artist Doug Hansen.

Their collaboration since 2002 has resulted in two books based on Mas' writings in The Bee. The latest is "Heirlooms: Letters From a Peach Farmer." It's published by Heyday Books. The previous book is "Letters to the Valey: A Harvest of Memories."

Click here for an index of Masumoto's most recent columns in The Bee.

Hansen has a book just out called "Mother Goose in California." I urge you to get a copy, no matter your age. It's a great gift for your children and grandchildren and should be on your bookshelf when they come by to see you.

This is from Felicia Cousart Matlosz' review in The Bee: "It's painted in a lush, charming, nostalgic style in which Hansen takes each letter of the alphabet, connects it to a word in a vintage nursery rhyme and creates an imaginary place -- "but one still rooted in the real world' of California landscapes. The work is detailed and elaborate. . . Adults might recognize familiar scenes, such as Hearst Castle, the Mojave Desert and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park."

I picked up several copies last weekend at Petunia's Place at Bullard and West where Doug was doing a book signing. I brought along my daughter and nieces and they had a great time getting Doug to sign the book. The illustrations are wonderful.

The book is available at local bookstores, which I urge you to patronize. I've been in a "Buy Local" mood for sometime. Let's target our spending at local businesses. That would be a big help during these troubled economic times because the small businesses are the ones that often don't have the cash reserves to get through the recession.