A Few Things

First it’s hard.
Then it’s easier.
Then it’s fun.

I saw this quote on Instagram and it really stuck with me.

I am always telling my kids that to be good at something – whether it’s an instrument, a skill, a sport – it takes work. Daily practice. Commitment. Effort.

You aren’t going to pick up a basketball and be great.  It’s hard at first: missing all those rebounds, double dribbling, tripping over your own feet.  But if you practice every day – those things get just a little easier.  And eventually it becomes less work – and more fun.

This week, as I am doubling down on my 2019 resolutions, it was a good reminder for me too.

First it’s hard.  Then easier.  Then fun.

How is your January going?  Any goals you are working towards? Here are a few things that caught my eye this week:

Did you know that today (the second Friday of January) is dubbed Quitter’s Day for new year’s resolutions?

I watched Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix this week.  It made me want spent some serious time decluttering.  I guess some other people felt the same way. (New Yorker)

Two great contests for kids kicked off this month:  Doodle for Google (art contest for grades K-12) and NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. (grades 5-12)  Also – if you live in Nashville, this Lego contest at the library is fun too (pre-K-12)

Cup of Jo had a great post on how books in the UK often have different cover art.

Also from the UK – two middle grade reads I am excited to get my hands on : Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers (Fall 2019) and The Storm Keeper’s Island (in U.S. on January 22nd)

Two great book round-ups: 10 Best Picture Books and 10 Best Look & Finds.

Ready for some ocean views? Check out this beautiful Instagram account from Feeding a Family’s Sarah Waldman.