The Petition

Dear Taylor Swift,

We hope this letter finds you well and immersed in the kind of creative magic that has inspired millions—Robert Hines of Casa Griago, Arizona among them.

Robert is the owner and unlikely heart of a local landmark: the Family Inn of Casa Griago. When he first took it over, the name was more aspirational than accurate. The property had seen better days, and one of its main draws—if you could call it that—was the lack of security cameras and the strategic placement of parking spaces shielded from the road. But Robert had a vision not just for the building, but for the people it served.

With only modest savings and a great deal of grit, Robert poured himself—quite literally—into restoring the place. He did much of the work with his own hands: repairing plumbing, repainting walls, fixing roof leaks, and scrubbing away more than a few stubborn memories. Perhaps most symbolic of the transformation was his reimagining of “Happy Hour,” once defined by bargain booze, into “Happy Family Hour,” a new tradition offering organic juices and a moment of peace for weary travelers and children alike.

But what really sets Robert apart—and why we think his story belongs in a song—is how he transformed not just a motel, but a community. As the clientele slowly began to change, Robert didn’t turn his back on those who had once depended on the Inn for more complicated reasons. Instead, he offered quiet compassion, unjudging counsel, and, for many, a nudge toward something better. A surprising number listened. Some even went to couples therapy. Several have since posted heartfelt thanks—some named, others anonymous—crediting Robert with turning their lives around.

At a PTA fundraiser last month, Robert gave a short speech. In it, he said that your lyrics had made his life “thirteen percent more meaningful.” He didn’t cite a particular song. Maybe it was “Shake It Off,” maybe “Clean,” maybe something from Folklore. Whatever it was, it stayed with him through late-night drywall patches and quiet talks on the porch with guests trying to figure out their next move.

We thought you might like to know that. And—if your muse is feeling curious—we think his story would make a phenomenal song. One that blends hope, redemption, grit, and organic juice boxes. Maybe something with a little country, a little indie, and just enough sparkle to remind us that people can change—and sometimes motels can too.

With gratitude and admiration,

Emily and Josh Jones

REMINDER: The story of this blog is entirely fictional and has been generated by ChatGPT. All individuals--other than Taylor--are entirely fictional as are businesses, organizations, and events portrayed.