Sonoma: Notations of Ironic Style

Sonoma Life? 

I have to write this with a wry smile. From Chris Reed’s stand up comedy at the Sonoma Market (where people would rather wait in line at his register than miss it) to the fact that no one bats an eye when I walk downtown with a rabbit or two in a stroller. 

Sonoma is ironic ready. 

In the hardware store last week as I searched for small firewood pieces for the pot belly stove I bought for the recent housewarming party, I over heard a man say to a woman, 

“Mam, what do you need?” 

“A husband.” 

“We don’t sell husbands, Mam, and we don’t take them back as returns either.” 

She said, “I’d like to speak to the manager then, young man.” 

Such scenes are a daily occurrence. Things look normal. You see people walking down the street looking fairly day to day, and then suddenly, they break out into song…a comedy routine, or a complaint about their dear old dog, wife or husband who slobbers too much. Or... they quite literally break out into song, as I’ve seen a few times while minding my own business in a restaurant or shopping in a market. 

Sonoma folks are ready to laugh and ready to share. 

The theme of sharing is a big one! And, it appears to come from the grapes themselves. I mean, we do live in the valley of the moon with more grapes per square foot than freckles on my face. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone here is always a tad tipsy from the fumes alone. 

This weekend at my housewarming party Marilyn Monroe (performance artist: Diana Dawn—Fabulous by the way) made a surprise appearance. All the therapy I had gone through that very day at the clothing store about a camisole I intended to purchase for the party that was a tad low cut went out the window. Some of the men had a funny dazed look on their faces. Their food got cold, (probably cold anyway when you cook for 35 people that can happen) and they all wanted photos taken with her. I did too. 

I also wanted better shirt therapy and to add a French Poodle to my collection of furry creatures. 

The party was a huge success. So many amazing and talented people enjoying the large deck, the rose bushes, palm tree, redwoods, huge oak tree and all that great wine they brought. I was flooded with the most special housewarming gifts as people came in. Even a framed photograph of my little Dakota with a shadow of his grand ears. My neighbors came, they brought wine, oranges, and lots of Sonoma sarcasm. 

The winemaker and photographer Rick Bolen of Bolen Family Vineyards who I’m designing a wine label for came with his wife and a half case of his wonderful Pinot and Merlot. My clients and their families came. Simone Cox, blues and gospel singer led us in a soulful harmony of Summertime. 

The list goes on of entertaining events and warmth. But one thing is for sure, the Sonoma spirit of sharing was alive and well, even Marilyn shared her ample offerings from the grave. 

• • • Dakota is still sharing, but just his grumpiness because it reminded him of being at Burns Feed Store as a baby with all the kids coming in and out wanting to hold him. Though all that attention impressed upon him what a handsome rabbit he is, he’s simply a one-woman rabbit and it was all a bit much.

Comments

[Ben]

Le Roi de Coeur, 1966. The images you write; you with stroller, and rabbit inhabitants, warms my heart to the idea there is still a chance for creative insanity, and a giggle that bouncy curly red hair is forwarning Sonoma that an important ingredient has arrived. Cook it up baby!

[Simone]

'Twas an excellent party! The wine! The food! The bunnies! (Not one and the same, natch!) The music! The wine!

I wonder how folks in the rest of the country spend their Saturday nights. Poor them.

Can't wait to come and visit you again SOON!