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What Did I Just See?, Otisville, MI (2025)

09/20/2025

DONAVILLE BROUSSARD, a polished gentleman of his race, was the son of a mulatto slave of Emilier Caramouche.
He was born in 1850, but appears vigorous. Light skinned, with blue eyes and a genial expression, he gave the story of his life in the French patois spoken by Louisiana French Negroes, which has been translated into English.
"My mama was daughter of one of the Carmouche boys. One of M'sieur Francois' sons. She call herself Armance Carmouche. She was house servant for the family and I worked around the house. I remember my Madame brought me the little basket and it had a strap on it. I put the strap over the shoulder and went round with the sharp stick and picked up the leaves on the ground with the stick.
"It was a great house with trees and flowers. Madame liked all clean and pretty. I never worked hard. The ladies and my mama, too, petted me as if I was the white child.
"M'sieur had a widow sister. She made us learn the prayers. We were glad to go where she was for she always had something good in her bag for us.
I never saw the baptizing. In those days all the slaves had the religion of the master and the Catholics didn't have no baptizing. They didn't have to half-drown when they got their religion. The church was 15 or 20 miles off. The priest came and held Mass for the white folks sometimes.
"I remember one wedding. My aunt got married. M'sieur Caramouche killed a big pig. The white folks ate in the house. The[Pg 152] slaves sat under the trees and ate in the yard. At four o'clock the justice of the peace came. He was the friend of M'sieur Caramouche. He made my aunt and the man hold hands and jump over the broom handle. When the priest came he made M'sieur sign some papers.
"A slave always had to ask M'sieur to marry. He always let the women slaves marry who they wanted. He didn't loose by that. He was so good the men would come to his plantation.
"We all wore the long chemise. Made out of heavy cloth. They made the cloth on the place and the women sewed it up. We didn't wear the shoes. We didn't like them when we had them.
"Each slave could have the little garden. They raised vegetables and had a couple of beehives for the honey.
"When the Yankees came they told us we could be free, but I don't know of any slaves that left. Old M'sieur died of the fever in the second year of the war. His wife died before he did. No children. They sold us, the house and everything. M'sieur Cyprien Arceneaux of Lafayette bought me and Madame Arvillien Bernard of St. Pierre bought the mama. They used to call it St. Pierre. They call it Carenero now. When war was finished I left M'sieur Arceneaux and lived with mama.
"A year and a half after that the mama married a black man and us three farmed the little farm. My steppapa didn't like me. I was light. He and me couldn't get along. So when I had 20 years I left there and hired myself out. I saved till I bought a little piece of land for myself. Then I married and raised the family. Me and my wife and the children farmed that place up to ten years ago and then she died.
My son farms the place now and I came to Beaumont. I live with my girl.[Pg 153]
"I remember me in time of war we danced. Round dances. We sang and danced La Boulangere in time of war. De song go:
"'La Boulangere ait ta victoire
Et nous, qui sont en guerre,
Voici le jour que je dois partir.
"'Mon cher ami, tu pars,
Tu me laisses un enfant dans les bras
et prend tes armes.
Et moi, je vais dans le moment
verser des larmes.
"'Quand je serai en le guerre, [Handwritten Note: à la guerre?]
Tu serais de garnison,
Et tu m'oublirais moi,
Qui serai en les haillons.
"'J'entends le tombour qui m'appelle
A les points de jour.
Mon cher Armande, si tu m'aimes
Tu penserais à moi, quand tu serais,
Dans tes plaisir.
Moi—que serai au bout du fusil!'
"I got one real scare. I was with M'sieur Arceneaux in Lafayette. There was the battle. Lots of fighting. Lots of killing. The Yankees came right inside the house. I stayed hid.
"I don't know whether it's been better since the war. At all times one has his miseries. We managed to get along on the farm. But now I have nothing. Oh, I don't mean slavery was better than to be free. I mean times were better.
"The reason I'm so light is, my mama was half-white. My papa was Neville Broussard and he was all white.

09/20/2025

Robin Williams stepped into a yellow New York City taxi one evening after an exhausting day on set. The driver, an older man with a worn face and a quiet demeanor, barely looked up as the actor settled in. As the car began to move through the bustling streets, Robin, with his innate curiosity, struck up a conversation. He had a knack for connecting with people in a way that felt effortless, and this cab ride was no exception.

The driver started sharing the realities of his life behind the wheel long hours, difficult passengers, and the endless grind of trying to make ends meet in one of the toughest cities in the world. Robin, genuinely interested, leaned in to listen, encouraging the man to share more. As the conversation flowed, the subject shifted from the taxi business to the man’s personal journey. When Robin asked about his passions, the driver hesitated, but something about Robin’s approachable nature made it impossible not to open up.

The man admitted he had once dreamed of being a musician. Years ago, he had spent countless nights playing the saxophone in small jazz clubs in the Bronx. Music had been his escape, his joy, his identity. But life’s responsibilities had eventually taken over. Family, bills, and the need for stability pushed him to put his saxophone away and step into the driver’s seat of a cab, trading melodies for miles on the odometer.

Robin listened intently, his face lighting up as the man spoke about the days when music had been his lifeblood. He asked if the man still played, and the driver confessed that the instrument had been gathering dust in a closet for years. There had been no time, no energy, and, over time, no belief that it mattered anymore.

As the cab reached its destination, Robin encouraged the man to pick up his saxophone again. He reminded him that the world needed music and that the joy he felt playing it years ago was still within him, waiting to be rediscovered. The driver, visibly moved, promised himself that he would at least try. Robin handed him a tip that far exceeded the fare, but it wasn’t just the money that made the night unforgettable. It was the way Robin had made him feel seen, understood, and valued not as a cab driver, but as a person with a dream that still mattered.

Later that night, the driver went home, opened his closet, and stared at the saxophone case he hadn’t touched in years. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt a spark of inspiration, a glimmer of hope. That single conversation with Robin Williams wasn’t just a fleeting exchange; it was a moment of human connection that reignited a forgotten part of himself.

For Robin, this kind of interaction wasn’t out of the ordinary. He had a rare ability to turn even the simplest moments into something meaningful. For the driver, it was a reminder that dreams, no matter how long they’ve been dormant, can always be revived.

09/20/2025

William Henry Illingworth was born in Leeds, England, on 20 September 1844. He immigrated with his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while still a young child. In 1850, his family relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota, where his father operated a jewelry business. Illingworth helped in the business until he was about 20 years old, when he moved to Chicago to study wet plate photography.
After he returned to Minnesota, he worked on an expedition to Montana, later on, George Armstrong Custer chose him to be the photographer for his Black Hills expedition.
Illingworth's work provided later generations insight into key events of his time.
A blow-up of the Custer Expedition wagon train descending the Castle Creek valley on July 26, 1874 (photograph by William Henry Illingworth, Devereux Library Archives, Illingworth-809). Custer's expedition into the Black Hills consisted of 1,000 soldiers from his 7th Cavalry, 110 wagons, 70 Indian scouts, four reporters, and two gold miners.

09/20/2025

Ever wondered what made Wolfman Jack such an unforgettable voice on the airwaves? Known for his gravelly voice and eccentric personality, Wolfman Jack wasn't just a DJ; he was a cultural phenomenon.

Born Robert Weston Smith in 1938, he crafted his Wolfman persona by blending rock 'n' roll with a wild, energetic delivery that captivated listeners across the United States. His broadcasts in the 1960s and 1970s were an eclectic mix of music, humor, and theatrics, making him a beloved figure in the radio world.

One of the keys to Wolfman Jack's success was his ability to connect with his audience. He made listeners feel like they were part of an exclusive club, with his late-night shows providing a soundtrack for their adventures. His distinctive howl and playful banter set him apart from other DJs of the time.

Wolfman Jack's influence extended beyond radio. He appeared in films like "American Graffiti" (1973), where he played himself, cementing his place in pop culture history. His television appearances on shows like "Midnight Special" in the 1970s brought his dynamic style to a broader audience, proving his versatility as an entertainer.

His unique style wasn't just about the music; it was about the experience. Wolfman Jack's shows were an audio journey, filled with surprises and a sense of spontaneity that kept listeners coming back for more. Whether he was spinning the latest hits or sharing amusing anecdotes, his charisma and enthusiasm were infectious.

Wolfman Jack's legacy lives on as a symbol of the golden age of radio. His innovative approach and larger-than-life persona paved the way for future generations of broadcasters, ensuring that his howl will echo in the annals of radio history forever. He continued to influence the airwaves until his death in 1995, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry.

09/20/2025

"Did you know that Dean Martin's older brother helped put the first American on the moon? The two boys were born in Steubenville, Ohio. One grew up to be one of the most beloved artists of his generation - Dino Paul Crocetti, left, who later became Dean Martin. The other lived a reclusive life but helped put the first American on the moon.
Dean's older brother William, a year older, was an engineer at North American Rockewell. He worked on the engines for the Saturn rocket, the same engine that put men on the moon. His daughter Adri said, ""My father and his colleagues were war warriors, to a man. They understood the need to be first, and they did everything they could to ensure American dominance. When I was ten years old, my father told me that we would have a man on the moon by the time you were twenty. I didn't believe him, but seven years later in 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon."

09/20/2025

"A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life"

~Muhammad Ali

09/20/2025

Your clothes came from Kmart and they stayed on layaway until school started. Eating out at a restaurant was a thing every now & then!! Fast food was leftovers at home. Eating popsicles was a treat on a hot day. We had fake cigs for candy and you only needed $1 or less. School was mandatory. You took your school clothes off as soon as you got home and put on your play clothes. If no one was home after school, you went to the neighbors. Nobody paid for daycare because we had a key to the house to get in when we got home.
We ate dinner at the table. Our house phone wasn't always being used. We played Cops and Robbers, 1-2-3 Not It, Red Light Green Light, Hide & Seek, Truth or Dare, Tag, Kickball, Dodgeball & we rode bikes. Girls and Boys played in the street. We came home when the street lights came on.
Children were seen & not heard. Staying in the house was a punishment and the only thing we knew about being "bored", "You better find something to do before I find it for you!" We ate what Mom made for dinner or we ate nothing at all. There was no bottled water; we drank from the tap or the water hose!
Phone numbers and address’s were either memorized or written on a folded piece of paper which was kept with you at all times!
What were Cell phones? We watched cartoons on Saturday mornings and rode our bikes for hours. We ran around in the streets until dark and came in before the street lights came on.
We were AFRAID OF NOTHING.
We watched our mouths around our Elders. If we acted up we got beat with a wooden paddle, switch or belt!
These were the good old days.
Kids today will never know how it feels to be a real kid, they will never understand my childhood!!!

09/19/2025

It was me 🤣

09/19/2025

Let me tell you a little story about the circle of life.
Yesterday, my 80-year-old mom told my nearly 50-year-old self to bring my laundry upstairs. Then, she instructed me how to clean a pot I've had for two decades. And then, when I was packing a few boxes for returns, she reminded me to make sure I blacked-out the labels or else the post office wouldn't know what to scan.
And that's when I responded with, "Mom! This isn't the first time I've done this, you know!"
She just laughed at me and drank her tea and rearranged her magic purse that has everything in it from medicine for every ailment and tissues to nail clippers and candy.
I don't know why I responded so curtly. I guess I just was tired and didn't want to be told what to do.
The irony wasn't lost on me when throughout the day, I said things to my teenagers like, "Hey, did you send in that form yet?" and "Take your coat upstairs" and "OMG! Put that bowl in the dishwasher."
And each time, they responded with the obligatory, "I know, Mom!"
I would laugh at their exasperation and return to what I was doing.
Last night, my 16-year-old and I went to the wake of a lovely woman who happened to be the grandmother of my daughter's best friend.
As I hugged my friend, the mom to my daughter's bestie and the daughter of the deceased, I watched as one of her kids brought a pair of tweezers back to her.
She explained, "As we were coming here, I just started throwing everything in my purse that I thought I would need, just in case. Of course, one of the kids needed them. My mom always did that for us."
And I couldn't help thinking about grandmas and their special purses, and how mothers show their love.
Sometimes we show it by nagging--or gently reminding--about looming deadlines and chores that need to be done.
Sometimes it's by setting rules and boundaries to keep them safe.
Sometimes it's by doing laundry when your child--no matter what their age--doesn't have the time or cooking a special meal or changing sheets.
Sometimes it's laughing off a snarky comment.
And sometimes, it's simply being there, saying nothing at all.
The universe showed me something pretty special yesterday.
It reminded me of all the love I give and receive throughout the small details of my life, and how lucky I am to have it spread through three generations right now.
A mother's love is rarely shown in grand gestures, but if we're lucky, woven into a lifetime of small, meaningful moments of kindness and selflessness and generosity that knows no bounds.
And when the time comes, in the magic purses grandmothers carry--when these grand women start slowing down but still want to be there for their family.
Until it's time to pass that tradition on to the mothers coming after.
Love your people hard today, in whatever small ways you can show it. Treasure the ways they show their love to you. Don't take one second for granted.
xoxo,

09/19/2025

GARDEN SNAKES CAN BE DANGEROUS...I NEVER KNEW THIS!

Snakes also known as Garter Snakes (Thamnophissirtalis) can be dangerous Yes, grass snakes, not rattlesnakes. Here's why.
A couple in Sweetwater, Texas, had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze.
It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants. When it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa.
She let out a very loud scream.
The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa.
He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.
His wife thought he had had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.
The attendants rushed in, would not listen to his protests, loaded him on the stretcher, and started carrying him out.
About that time, the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.
The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor who volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch.. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief.
But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.
The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her.
The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.
The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that the snake had bitten him. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.
By now, the police had arrived.
Breathe here...
They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little garden snake!
The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.
Now, the little snake again crawled out from under the sofa and one of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over, the lamp on it shattered and, as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes.
The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.
Meanwhile, neighbors saw the burning drapes and called in the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires, put out the power, and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).
Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car and all was right with their world.

A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.
And that's when he shot her.

09/19/2025

Recently in Rome, police responded to a call about loud crying coming from an apartment. When four officers arrived, they found 84-year-old Jole and her 94-year-old husband, Michelle, in their home. Luckily, no crime had occurred. The couple was just emotional while watching TV. Jole had asked her husband why there was so much negativity in the news that day, which led to her tears, and someone had called the police.
Having been married for nearly 70 years, the couple expressed feelings of loneliness and mentioned it had been a long time since anyone had visited them. The officers noticed they hadn’t had a proper meal in a while. While waiting for an ambulance to check on them, two officers decided to make a simple spaghetti dinner for them—just pasta with parmesan and butter—while the other officers talked with the couple.
That day, the officers didn’t solve a crime, but they did something just as important. They showed kindness, compassion, and love, brightening the lives of two people who really needed it.

09/19/2025

I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:
1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5 I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7 I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”
8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9 I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.
11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12 I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13 I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.
14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
I decided to share this for all my friends. Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can't we practice this at any stage and age?

What Did I Just See?

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