On Last Week’s “Pretend It’s a Forest”

Editor, et al,

I begin by saying that I truly enjoy Susana Hernandez’s occasional column, “Pretend It’s a Forest”. And, I follow up that general note of appreciation with a more specific one — this addressed to her most recent column in the April 16, 2026, issue of this paper.

While I cannot relate to her observation that nothing she sees or hears excites her any more, I can relate to her suggestion about how we can beneficially use our time and energy in the face of the times in which we live. And, even more specifically (note how this specificity is getting targeted narrower and narrower?), I whole-heartedly agree with and endorse her third methodology: “Read tangible resources”.

You may notice that “this newspaper” comes in a weekly installment of (usually) either an eight or ten page format. It is my experience that it doesn’t take a long time to read through those weekly pages. So, that leaves a lot of time for other sources of reading. For myself, I find turn primarily to two sources: actual print magazines that come from various organizations that I support; and, books (yep, real, tangible, paper and ink books!).

The magazines kind of take care of themselves: they appear in my post office box on a regular schedule. The books find their way into my hands via two main channels: an independent bookstore that I frequent; and, (wait for it, wait for it) the Downieville Public Library. Did you know that every single book in that library can be read for FREE?! Well, okay, you do have to expend a bit of time and energy — but, no money! Oh, and if you happen to be a person who prefers reading a digital book to actually cracking open the cover and smelling the ink, the library also provides a FREE avenue for doing that.

So, Susana and all you other folk who plan to read tangible resources, come on down to the Downieville Public Library. Either Peggy or myself will be there to help you get started.

And, thanks, Susana, for your engaging and challenging insights!

Paul Guffin

Downieville