FIELD NOTE // FN-001 | LOCATION: WEST OAKLAND | DATE: 2025-07-28
You had me at "baaah" (or hello). I was wandering through West Oakland a few days ago taking in the the quiet history layered onto the streets. You go out looking for one thing, but the city always has other plans for you.
Between two buildings, in a dusty, sun-drenched lot that should have been empty, was the last thing I expected to find: life. A small herd of goats, calmly chewing and watching the world go by, existing in their own little world amidst the West Oakland landscape.
Most were indifferent, but this one was curious. As I approached the fence, he came right up to say hello, his eyes full of a strange, ancient intelligence. For a moment, it wasn't about finding the past; it was about connecting with a present I never could have predicted.
It was a perfect, unexpected reminder. You can search for history all you want, but sometimes the most memorable stories are the ones that are living and breathing right in front of you.
