When my sister came into town recently we were walking through Target and chanced upon a porch swing. She and I both leaped for it and began immediately rocking. Heads lolling back, eyes closed, the repetitive swaying was total bliss.Â
“Oh My God.” Â
“I know. I actually feel my mental health–”
“Returning?”
Yes, add a straight jacket and your cell is complete. Rock, rock, rock your way to sanity. Impervious to other Target patrons, we kept swinging and oinking in pleasure until we had to be led, staggering, away. Even better than a hammock, a porch swing is the ultimate opiate, conjuring up a 1940’s fantasy of innocence, neighbors who know you, and long evenings to kill without benefit of being online. Who says you are required to live in the present? Salt your environment with anachronisms and you’ll feel more able to cope positively with the present. Somehow, we must balance the relentless march of tech into our lives. Creating a tiny retro world is one option.
Buy ItÂ
Porch swings are available spring through fall. It’s not just a summer thing. Imagine the cozy fall season you can have…chenille throw tossed over you, a novel, something yummy to drink. You work hard for what reason? Treat yourself.
Install it
Suspend in a tree, porch, patio, or bedroom with or preferably without the unattractive metal support. Use heavy-duty anchored supports instead. Â
Easy Substitution
You say you’ve got absolutely no porch area, just a little spit of cement out back? The hammock, whether Pawleys Island knotted style or canvas, is an elegant solution to your swinging needs and takes less space and hardware. Simply string and swing.
