Jonathots Daily Blog
(3495)
Matthew was elated.
Not only did the great hamburger give-away get coverage from all the major networks, but McDonald’s chose to throw in 5,000 free hot apple pies in appreciation for the large order. Every newspaper carried the same picture–a little four-year-old boy sitting on a curb eating a hot apple pie, Coke next to him, with a huge smile on his face.
It was epic–the fresh burst of optimism which had been absent in the media for years. There had been attempts to create positive stories, but rarely did one seem to fall from the heavens, right into the laps of weary journalists.
Matthew wanted to do something special for Jubal, so while Carlos finished up at the rally, Matthew raced back to the complimentary suite that had been provided and made a few phone calls. The last contact was to the GG Escort Service.
So when Jubal Carlos arrived at the suite a couple of hours later, Matthew greeted him at the door, giggling from the effects of two slurped-down martinis.
“I’ve got a surprise for you, my friend,” said Matthew.
Jubal smiled. “I don’t know whether I can take any more surprises.”
Matthew chuckled. “I think you can take this one,” he said, with a slight slur in his speech. “You see, what I did was I called the GG Escort Service. Do you know what GG stands for?”
Jubal was surprised, but played along. “No. What does it stand for?”
Matthew patted Jubal on the back. “It stands for ‘Good Girls.’ You see, they promise that all their ladies are good girls. And I thought a good fella like you and a good fella like me deserved a couple of good girls.”
Jubal crossed the room and sat down on the plush couch. “I don’t understand. Why did you do that?”
Matthew, still standing at the door, responded, “I thought you might like to relax. Sit back. Have some fun.”
“Didn’t we have fun today?” asked Jubal.
“I meant you have fun,” said Matthew.
“I did,” replied Jubal.
“Are you gay?” asked Matthew.
Jubal stood to his feet, angry. “No, I’m not gay. I just don’t know why we’d want to end this day with women that you’ve purchased.”
“Sorry,” said Matthew. “I’ve already paid for them. They’re in the other room, waiting for us.”
“They’re here?” inquired Jubal, panic in his voice.
“Yes,” Matthew answered. “And calm down. You’ve had sex before, haven’t you?”
Jubal stepped across the room. “Yes, I’ve had sex before. I’m a Las Vegas musician. Are you an idiot?”
Matthew tried to lighten up the moment. “Yes, matter of fact, I am an idiot. I thought you might like to have some female companionship.”
Jubal stepped closer to Matthew. “You don’t get it, do you? This is just a game to you. It’s like you’re playing with Mommy and Daddy’s money. Or worse, it’s Monopoly money, so what difference does it make? So you think you can go out and buy whatever you need.”
Matthew was pissed. “Hey, back off, fella. You don’t know anything about me.”
“I know you think you can buy love,” spit Jubal.
“I’m not buying love, and we’re not little boys in grammar school,” said Matthew. “It’s just sex–and a chance to have it without having to apologize, explain or woo.”
Jubal returned to the couch, sat down and turned away from Matthew. “This is not my life. This is not what I would do. I thought we would come here, order some steaks, celebrate our independence and maybe even be grateful for what happened. Do you get it? People came together today. It wasn’t a mass shooting. It wasn’t a hateful demonstration. It was people eating hamburgers, listening to music, believing.”
Matthew shook his head. “You worry me, buddy. I thought you were a professional. You know–someone who had been around the block a few times. But you’re acting like you buy into this.”
“I’m not acting,” said Jubal.
As he finished his thought, the door of the bedroom opened and in walked two lovely women in their early twenties.
“What’s the holdup?” said one of the girls.
Matthew spoke up. “I’m sorry. My friend is just a little tired.”
The second girl walked over to Jubal, rubbed his shoulders and said, “That’s okay. I’ll do all the work.”
Jubal slowly turned around and looked her in the eyes, and asked, “What’s your name?”
Matthew interrupted. “I named this one ‘Yes’ and this other one ‘O-h-h-h, yes.'”
Matthew laughed uncontrollably, apparently having consumed more than two martinis. Jubal ignored him and took the young lady by the hands, and asked again, “No, what’s your name?”
She squinted, and then cautiously replied, “My name is Dorothy Beth, but my friends call me Dorbe.”
“Where are you from, Dorbe?” asked Jubal.
“Yankton County, South Dakota.”
Jubal motioned for her to sit down and she eased her way onto the cushion. “I’ve never been to South Dakota,” said Jubal. “What’s it like?”
Dorbe thought for a second. “Well, it’s like North Dakota. Just a little further south.”
Jubal laughed. “You are very funny, Dorbe.”
He stood up, walked over to the other young lady, took her hands, and said, “What’s your name?”
She glanced at Matthew, who just shook his head, so she replied flatly, “My name is Candy Cane.”
Matthew rolled his eyes. “No, your real name.”
She placed her hand on her hip and blurted, “It is my real name. My mother loved Christmas.”
Jubal thought that was funny, too. “My friend, Matthew, tells me you’re good girls.”
“No, that’s our escort service,” said Dorbe. Candy Cane threw her a darting glance.
Dorbe stared back, and said, “He’s a nice guy. I thought I could say ‘escort service.’ I don’t think he’s a cop.”
Jubal motioned for Candy Cane to sit down, too. She complied.
“No, I’m not a cop,” said Jubal. “But I do try to be a good guy. And so does my buddy, here. He’s just like all of us–he gets some things mixed up. You see, he’s the guy that’s thinking about starting a campaign to make Jesus popular again.”
“I read about that in the newspaper,” said Dorbe.
“When did Jesus get unpopular?” inserted Candy Cane.
Jubal stepped toward Matthew. “You see, my man? These ladies don’t think Jesus is unpopular. You know why?”
Matthew shook his head, like he was caught in a bad dream. “No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“It’s because they’re working people,” replied Jubal. “They’re the kind of people who not only know Jesus, but they want to be friends with him.”
“You do know what we do for a living?” interrupted Dorbe.
“Hush, bitch,” said Candy Cane in the nicest way possible.
“Yes,” answered Jubal. “I know what occupies your time. But not tonight. You see, my friend and I were about to order some steaks. Or was it lobster? How about both? And we were wondering if you lovely ladies would join us?”
“You know we’re already paid for, right?” asked Dorbe.
“I suppose,” said Jubal. “But I want to give you a choice. You can keep your money and leave, or you can stay here and eat a delicious dinner with us and join in conversation.”
“Just conversation?” Candy Cane asked, suspicious.
“Just conversation?” Matthew repeated.
“Yes,” said Jubal. “There is so much to talk about, so much to celebrate, so much to be thankful for that we don’t have to go weird to have our fun.”
Dorbe shook her head. “You are an odd man. Are you a preacher? Don’t get me wrong–I’ve been with a lot of preachers.”
“No, Dorbe, actually I’m a drummer. Congas.”
Candy Cane stood to her feet and clapped her hands. “Oh, I love congas! They’re just so … drummy.”
“I couldn’t have said that better myself,” said Jubal.
“Yes, you could,” said Matthew.
“So what do you say, Matthew? Shall we order in some dinner for our ‘Good Girls?'” asked Jubal.
Matthew stood quietly in the doorway, where he had been stuck the entire time. He was still waiting for an exciting evening of pleasure, and was being offered dinner and talk.
He didn’t understand Jubal. He was aware of people who were self-righteous, or just hated sex–but Mr. Carlos didn’t seem to fit into either of those categories. There was something mysterious about the story of this man that he knew he would have to uncover so as to protect himself–and the money.
But not tonight. Tonight belonged to Carlos. Tonight was a time to submit to the common good.
Tonight was a celebration with two good guys and two good girls.
The producers of jonathots would humbly request a yearly subscription donation of $10 for this wonderful, inspirational opportunity
Jonathots Daily Blog 
G-Poppers … January 12th, 2018
Jonathots Daily Blog
(3550)
As a boy, G-Pop recalls how beautiful and powerful six inches of snow was in Ohio. It usually meant that school was canceled for the day and the winter wonderland was available for walking and playing.
Yet with all the potential, it was G-Pop’s profile to go outside for a few minutes, but then to come back in, pull out the Monopoly game and play, by himself, using three different pieces, so he was only competing against himself.
It was so much fun. No yelling, no arguing, no fussing and lots of surprises.
Outside it was cold, crowded and competitive. The air was frigid and the surroundings were full of children looking for a way to create mischief with the snow–and the hillsides for sliding were soon lined up with people waiting their turn to get the best “slick trip.”
G-Pop just didn’t like to take most of his glorious day and spend it waiting, freezing and sometimes arguing
G-Pop wants his children to understand that we now have the same situation in our country. People have defined the thrills and chills of our era–so everyone bundles up and goes out into the cold, where it’s crowded and competitive. Of course, it can become so cutthroat that people start getting hurt.
G-Pop recommends to his children that they slip back into the house and play a better game. It’s named “Kindness”–and it is so unusual, so ignored and so set to the side that they will find themselves succeeding by surprising everyone with the choice.
It has three parts to it:
1. Return to “courtly.”
Reinstitute phrases like, “if you don’t mind.” Or, “if you would be so kind.” And of course, “it was so nice of you to do that.”
It doesn’t matter if other people are saying the same words. It gives a sense of well-being, purpose and gentleness.
2. Lead with a smile.
The usual grimace just doesn’t cut it anymore. If everybody’s frowning at one another, the possibility for negotiation or business is nearly eliminated.
Is there a danger in leading with a smile? G-Pop supposes so–there are always con men and women who will try to play off weakness, but if you can see them coming, you can keep a nice grin, welcoming people in.
3. Set aside a blessing.
Yes, every week, put a little extra money to the rear. A little extra time. A few things no longer used, to give to somebody who would benefit from them.
We are so interested in giving to charity, but often we don’t know where that money goes. If you set aside some of your charitable funds, and place them strategically where you desire, it is so much more fulfilling.
The world is cold, crowded and competitive.
Come inside the love of God and discover your warmth.
Share this:
Like this:
- G-Poppers
- G-Poppers--social commentary offered in a grandfatherly way.
on January 12, 2018 at 2:12 pm Comments (1)Tags: blessing, charity, cold, competitive, courtly, crowded, frigid, G-Pop, gentleness, grimace, grin, kindness, love of God, Monopoly, Ohio, school canceled, smile, snow in Ohio, winter wonderland, yelling