08/21/2025
Karen from down the street called my rainbow swings "ghetto playground equipment" right to my face yesterday.
Standing there in her perfect yoga pants with her perfect highlights, looking at my $6 garage sale chairs like I'd hung actual garbage from my tree. "It's just... a lot," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Maybe something more... neutral?"
My eight-year-old was literally swinging behind her, laughing harder than I'd heard in months. First time all summer he'd chosen outside over Xbox. But sure, Karen, let me paint them beige so your property values feel safe.
Joke's on her though. Posted a photo in this DIY group on Tedooo app asking for spray paint tips, and three people immediately wanted to buy sets for their own yards. Turns out other parents are just as desperate to get their kids off screens as I am.
The hardware guy I found on Tedooo walked me through hanging them safely, even sent extra rope because he has kids too and gets it. "Brightest swings in Texas," he said. "Your neighbors are probably just jealous their kids are still glued to iPads."
Now I've got four orders for custom swing sets and Karen's own daughter asked her mom why their swings are "boring brown."
