Chapter 1 of 2
Valleys

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Fun fact about myself- I'm named after places.
My name Sonoma means Valley of the Moon. It's a place in California, a wine county. It's been a mystery my whole life. What Sonoma looks like, how the people are, what wine they make, and why i'm named after it.
I finally got to visit Sonoma last year. And I can say with full confidence that there's a reason why I'm Sonoma the girl named after Sonoma the place.
We drove up from San Francisco to Sonoma Valley. We could tell when we were reaching by seeing the numerous vineyards and plantations along the way. The city started becoming the suburbs until acres of gardens followed us as we drove.
My gallery from that day is filled with pictures of 'Sonoma'. Sign boards, shops, clothes, menus, everything said Sonoma.
The first picture I took was at the city hall. Me and the ancient hall with pride flags waving proudly in the wind. There were ducks by a small pond too.
We spent the afternoon roaming around the city. I saw a Sonoma Cheesecake factory and a sign that said 'share some Sonoma happiness'. We went into a shop that was selling my merch and I was so tempted to buy a sweater and a cap, but alas the cost in dollars made me get out of there as fast as I could.
I still wish i'd gotten that sweater.
After a lunch at a cafe (it sadly didn't have Sonoma in it's name) we went on to the main event. Wine tasting.
I was still underage at that time, so I could only sneak sips from my parents' glasses. We went to a winery that was a short drive away from the main city. They walked us through the wine making process and the different types of wine offered. I was so happy to finally say that I tried my wine.
We didnt stay in the city, but in a smaller town nearby. There was a fair that evening- the Sonoma Marin Fair. It was the more fairest fair I'd been to. It's like everything you see in the movies. The rides, foods, hotdogs, games and so many big groups of teenagers. I got the whole USA experience in this trip.
And some Sonoma merch. I got a sticker of a wine bottle that says Sonoma, some fridge magnets, my mother got a pocket knife with Sonoma embroidered on it. It made me feel so special, having a city named after me.
Since then I've been even more proud of my name and it's meaning. Valley of the Moon and a wine county.
Visiting the place you're named after, you
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Sonoma KMore by Sonoma K
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I love how your name has a story of its own, and getting to visit the place you’re named after must have felt like such a full-circle moment. Imagine growing up with a name that carries a little mystery, wondering what the place looks like, and then finally getting to see it for yourself. There’s something so special about discovering a place that has been connected to your identity for your entire life, even before you knew anything about it. And “Valley of the Moon” is such a beautiful meaning for a name. I can imagine how surreal it must have been to see the Sonoma sign and the vineyards in person after wondering about them for so many years. I also think it’s lovely that you now have actual memories and pictures attached to something that was once just a question about your name. It makes the name feel even more personal, as if a small part of your story was waiting for you in that place all along. Do you feel more connected to your name now that you’ve finally visited Sonoma? 🤍
Beautiful story, it is amazing to know the backstory of a unique name. I was named after an author.
This is so beautiful and thinking about how much you love the place that you were named after is so wholesome