Morning coffee used to ride along in a travel cup on the way to the courts. Now it sits beside the racks while the wall goes up. This funny mahjong mug keeps the verdict on the table for anyone who still asks about Saturday doubles.
PICKLEBALL WAS A PHASE. runs on each side in two lines of heavy, friendly capitals, full stop included, because the matter is closed. Below it sits the evidence: a plain paddle hanging by its strap from a wall peg, a little cobweb stretching from it to a rack of tiles set up and ready to play. No brand on the paddle, no faces on the tiles, just the verdict, drawn flat and bold in four inks.
The design wraps both sides, so the verdict faces the table whichever hand picks it up.
Tuck it into the holiday exchange, fill it with treats for the game host, or give it to the friend who finally talked you off the court.
Refill. Deal. Repeat.
