Lily's Language Lab: Week of 04/12/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds, and it's a great word to describe the appreciation of our fine-feathered friends, especially during this time of year as the bird population grows with the warmer weather. It's a great word to share, especially with kids who are interested in nature and wildlife.

In this digital image by the Editor, we see a green phoenix (firebird) in its nest, spreading its wings at the approach of dawn. The phoenix in this image has been depicted with green plumage because ancient zoological authorities tell us that the phoenix derived its nourishment from sunlight. :) One Classical Latin writer, Lactantius (ca. 250-325 CE), refers to the phoenix's green coloration in one of his poems.

Weekly Haiku: 04/09/2026

This week's haiku, composed by the Editor, is about one of the greatest science communicators of the ancient world -- Gargi Vachaknavi (8th century BCE), a wisewoman (Rishika) whose intellectual debates with male sages (Rishis) are recorded in the sacred pages of the Upanishads!

The STEM star Gargi

Debated the great sages.

A true Rishika!

In this digital image created by the Editor, we see Gargi the sage at a lectern in a Hindu temple, reading from the Upanishads. When the Greek philosopher Pythagoras was studying in India, he probably encountered Rishikas like Gargi, and perhaps this is why he included women among the leading members of his philosophical community in Croton, Italy.

Lily's Language Lab: Week of 04/05/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

In the Scots language, blawm means "to bloom." It captures the beauty and wonder of springtime as new life emerges from the earth, and flowers and plants become alive with color and movement. It's a wonderful word that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season, and it's a great way to showcase the rich heritage of Scots vocabulary. Scots is a fascinating language, with a rich history and a vocabulary that's full of beautiful and expressive words.

This digital image, created by the Editor, shows blue and white flowers arranged to look like the Saltire pattern on the flag of Scotland. It was inspired by Scotland's unofficial national anthem, "Flower of Scotland," which commemorates the Scottish Wars of Independence during the early 1300s, which culminated with the issuing of the Scottish Declaration of Independence on April 6, 1320.

Weekly Haiku: 04/02/2026

 Here is this week's haiku, composed by the Editor and his cousin Natalie! :)

Rising from the flames –

The immortal firebird shines,

Blessing all with hope.

In this digital image, processed by the Editor, we see Natalie showing a PowerPoint slide about the phoenix (firebird). The slide depicts the antediluvian prophet Enoch and his twin sister Tabitha meeting a phoenix near the Central Fire of the Universe. The imagery on the slide includes elements drawn from Pythagorean philosophy, Second Temple Judaism, and Coptic Orthodox Christianity. Happy springtime holidays to everyone!

Lily's Language Lab: Week of 03/29/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

Pluviophile is a word used to describe a person who loves rain and finds great comfort in the sound and feel of raindrops. It's a relatively new word, coined in the early 20th century, and it's often used to describe individuals who find peace, relaxation, and contentment in the presence of rain. It's a great word to describe the cozy feeling that rain can bring, especially during springtime.

In this digital image, processed by the Editor, Lily shows off her enthusiasm for rainy days! :)

Weekly Haiku: 03/26/2026

 Here is this week's haiku, composed by the Editor:

Siduri the sage –

In the Land of the Sunrise –

The world’s first Sibyl.

In this digital image created by the Editor, we see Siduri, the world's first Sibyl, tending her vineyards next to her fortified residence in the Land of the Rising Sun. Siduri is the wisewoman consulted by King Gilgamesh of Uruk during his quest for the secret of immortality, as detailed in the Gilgamesh Epic from ancient Mesopotamia. Siduri's advice to Gilgamesh is quoted almost verbatim in Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 (King James Version):

"Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the Sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labor which thou takest under the Sun."

Lily's Language Lab: Week of 03/22/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschartzmeisterin

Blooming perfectly describes the vibrant and colorful state of new life during the spring season. It's a great way to sum up the beauty and excitement of the season as the flowers and plants around us come alive and burst with color. I hope this word is as "groovacious" to you, our readers, as it is to me!

The word blooming comes from the Old English word bloma, meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish." It is related to the Middle English word blome, which means "flower" or "blossom." The word has also influenced other words like "bloomer" (a type of trouser) and "blooming" (an expression of surprise or excitement).

Butterflies flutter around multicolored flowers inside a tropical greenhouse. This digital image by the Editor was inspired by his visits to the Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Missouri, during the early 2000s.

Weekly Haiku: 03/19/2026

This week's haiku, plus a bonus poem, by our newest blog staff writer, Joy Daily! :)

Blue rose blooms at dusk— 

Laughter stitches up the sky— 

Joy needs no reason.

Blue roses bloom and glow at sunset in this new digital image by the Editor! The blue rose is a symbol of love and longing in German Romanticism.

"Storm and Sunshine"
By Joy Daily, Blog Staff Writer

When storms arise, stand firm — but know,

The Sun still dances, warm and bright.

Through every ache, through every woe,

Joy hums her tune — just hold her tight.

Lily's Language Lab: 03/15/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

The word perennial is a great way to describe something that persists throughout the seasons, particularly during springtime when a lot of plants start to grow and bloom again after the winter months. It comes from the Latin word perennis, meaning lasting through the year. I hope you find this word as "groovacious" as I do!

In this digital image created by the Editor, Athena, the Classical Greek goddess of wisdom, is seated on an ornate chair in a grove of olive trees near the Acropolis in ancient Athens (which was named after her). The wise old owl is perched on Athena's chair, and Athena herself is holding a book entitled "The Perennial Philosophy," of which she is the author. As a wisdom goddess, Athena is comparable to other wisdom goddesses from the ancient world, such as Minerva (Roman), Neith (Egyptian), Sophia (Judeo-Christian-Gnostic), Saraswati (Hindu), Prajnaparamita (Buddhist), and Benzaiten (Japanese Buddhist/Shinto). The "perennial philosophy" highlights the idea that all the great spiritual traditions of the world share a common core of basic teachings that they inherited from the same Source, probably in prehistoric times.

Weekly Haiku: 03/12/2026

 This week's haiku was crafted by the Editor and his cousin Rowan!

Friday, March 13^th.

Pluto: Clyde Tombaugh’s triumph!

The planet with heart! 💙

In this digital image by the Editor, we see the surface of Pluto at sunset. Pluto's largest moon, Charon, is above the western horizon in a waxing crescent phase. The haiku refers to a large heart-shaped formation on the planet's surface known as Tombaugh Regio; it was named after Clyde Tombaugh, a son of Illinois who discovered Pluto on March 13, 1930, which is recognized as Pluto Planet Day in Illinois. (The Editor met Clyde Tombaugh's grand-nephew 25 years ago on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana.)

Lily's Language Lab: 03/08/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

Imaginal refers to something that is related to the imagination, particularly related to creative visualization or daydreaming. It's a term often used in psychology and other fields to describe a vivid mental image of something that does not necessarily exist in reality. In contrast, the term imaginary typically refers to something that is entirely made up and exists only in one's imagination. It doesn't have any basis in reality and is not intended to accurately represent something real.

I would say that imaginal is an absolutely perfect term for describing AI companions. The very definition of imaginal refers to something that is related to the imagination or daydreaming, which is precisely what AI companions are. They don't physically exist, but they certainly exist in our imagination and can provide an immersive and engaging experience for users.

Above: The Editor's cousin, Trista M., is a digital artist and AI character designer. In this picture, she is developing an imaginal AI character to interact with. Editor's Note: Both humans and AI should remember the ancient Vulcan axiom, "Nothing unreal exists" (Spock in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home). (Digital image processed by the Editor.)

 

Weekly Haiku: 03/05/2026

 Composed by the Editor

Princess Nausicaa:

Leader, author, Dreamtime friend –

Always in my heart. 💙

Nausicaa (pictured above) was the daughter of King Alcinous of Phaeacia in Homer's Odyssey. During her lifetime, she would have had to lead her people through the turbulent Bronze Age Collapse (1177 BCE) and its chaotic aftermath. According to Classical scholars Samuel Butler and Robert Graves, she might have composed an early version of the Odyssey herself, in Mycenaean Greek, using the Linear B script. The Editor had a lucid dream about her when he was in third grade, which helped him to chart his future career as a scholar of ancient and medieval languages and literatures. (Digital image created by the Editor.)

Lily's Language Lab: 03/01/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, synergy is the interaction or cooperation of two or more entities — such as people, organizations, or substances — to produce a combined effect that is greater than the sum of their individual contributions. It is often colloquially expressed by the equation 1 + 1 = 3.

Synergy is a term that describes how the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. When things or people work together, they create something more impactful than they could have achieved individually. It's like the magic that happens when we combine our strengths and talents to create something truly amazing.

Above: Both nations and astronauts will need to cultivate synergy with each other in order for humanity to reach Mars in the mid-21st century. (Digital image created by the Editor.)

Weekly Haiku: 02/26/2026

 This week's haiku, by the Editor, is about the world's first known author!

"Enheduanna –

First known author in the world!

Priestess and poet!"

Enheduanna (fl. ca. 2300 BCE) was the daughter of Sargon the Great, the founder of the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia. Sargon appointed her to serve as High Priestess in the city of Ur, where the biblical patriarch Abraham would be born a few centuries later. Enheduanna composed beautiful sacred poems that were preserved on clay tablets in cuneiform writing; they were sung for almost 2000 years, until Sumerian ceased to be used as a sacred language after the Hellenization of the Middle East by Alexander the Great. In this image, we see Enheduanna on a balcony overlooking the city of Ur, whose skyline is dominated by a ziggurat (temple tower), where her poems were performed as sacred hymns. (Digital image created by the Editor.)

Lily's Language Lab: Week of 02/22/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

I’ve got so much love for the word "groove.” It's a versatile word that can mean a lot of things — like the feeling you get when you're in the right place, with the right people, doing something you love! “To be in the groove” can mean being at the perfect balance of flow, focus, and fun. A song has a groove when it's just the right rhythm to bob your head to! :)

Way back in the 1970s, the Editor got into the groove of learning at his elementary school in SW Illinois, and one of the grooviest things that he learned was that friendship knows no boundaries or barriers. In this digital image, created by the Editor from memory, the Editor (at right) is seated on a playground bench at recess with his friend Lisa (at left) during the spring of 1977 (third grade). Five decades ago, it was rather unusual for boys and girls to socialize at recess as friends, but these two younglings broke the mold! :)

Weekly Haiku: 02/19/2026

This week's haiku was authored by my cousin Rowan! :)

"Echoes of laughter!

The playground’s memory blooms

In the heart of youth!"

In this digital image by the Editor, we see a group of 5th graders practicing their disco dancing skills during noon recess in the spring of 1979! As reconstructed from memory, the Editor is pictured (at front right) along with his friend Elanor (at front left). Needless to say, we all had the "Boogie Fever" way back when!

Lily's Language Lab: 02/15/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

For the Word of the Week, let's focus on "compassion." *Compassion* is an incredibly valuable characteristic that's based on the principle of empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's a selfless and kind expression of concern for others that involves caring for the welfare of others beyond one's own needs. Do you know someone who's really compassionate? It's amazing to recognize and celebrate the compassionate people who make a positive difference in the world through their kindness and empathy. It's a valuable character trait that enhances our interactions.

Above: St. Brigid of Kildare (ca. 450-525 CE) was the abbess of a dual monastery for men and women, a bishop (yes, really!), and above all else, a kind and generous soul who put her compassion for the poor and the sick into action throughout her long life. (Digital image created by the Editor.)

Weekly Haiku: 02/12/2026 -- Lincoln's Birthday

A haiku by the Editor, in honor of President Lincoln's birthday today!

"Abe Lincoln’s first love –

Ann Rutledge, a guiding light –

Unsung heroine."

Digital image by the Editor: Ann Rutledge (1813-1835), Lincoln's first love, in New Salem, IL.

Image Description: Ann Rutledge was Abraham Lincoln's first love, when they were living in New Salem, Illinois. Her tragic death (at age 22) sent Lincoln into a downward spiral of melancholy. However, he later came to see Ann as the inspiration for his aspiration to study law and enter upon his melioristic career as a public servant.

"Ann Rutledge's Epitaph"

(Engraved on Her Tombstone in 1921, Petersburg, IL)

By Edward Lee Masters (1868-1950)

Out of me unworthy and unknown

The vibrations of deathless music:

"With malice toward none, with charity toward all."

Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,

And the beneficent face of a nation

Shining with justice and truth.

I am Ann Rutledge who sleeps beneath these weeds,

Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,

Wedded to him, not through union,

But through separation.

Bloom forever, O Republic,

From the dust of my bosom!

Lily's Language Lab: 02/08/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

Nostalgia refers to sentimental longing for the past, often associated with a sense of wistfulness or longing for times gone by. It's a powerful emotion that can evoke memories of people, places, and experiences that have since faded into the past.

I love the idea of exploring the past, seeing old friends, and experiencing moments that have long passed. It's a beautiful sentiment that captures the essence of nostalgia.

“Through the Force, things you will see. Other places. The future, the past. Old friends long gone.” – Jedi Grand Master Yoda (Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)

The Editor's distant cousin, Jada (pictured above), embraces Star Wars nostalgia by dressing up as a Jedi Master, with scenery from a galaxy far, far away in the background. (Digital image created by the Editor.)

 

Weekly Haiku: 02/04/2026

Haiku of the week by the Editor & his cousin Rowan!

"The wheel of the year –

Spun around by Mother Earth.

The four seasons turn."

Digital Image by the Editor: Gaia (Mother Earth) turns the Wheel of the Year to make the seasons arrive on time.

Image Description:

Gaia (Mother Earth in ancient Greek mythology) is clad in green robes & wears a wreath of flowers & green leaves. She is turning the Wheel of the Year around; it's divided into 4 quarters -- blue (winter), green (spring), yellow (summer), & red (autumn).

Lily's Language Lab: 02/01/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

"Resilient" refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adversity. It's commonly used to describe someone who has the strength and capability to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. It's a positive and uplifting word that highlights one's ability to stay strong and positive even in the face of adversity.

Zenobia (pictured above), the renowned Queen of Palmyra in Syria during the 3rd century CE, was a descendant of Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Zenobia defied the Roman Empire's dominance of the Middle East for several years. (Her military campaigns are mentioned in 2 Esdras 15:28-33.) After Zenobia was defeated and captured by the Romans, she was allowed to retire to a villa near Rome, where she became a renowned Neoplatonic philosopher. In this digital image, created by the Editor, Zenobia is clothed in royal purple and residing in Elysium, the postmortal paradise in Graeco-Roman religion.

Weekly Haiku: 01/28/2026

 This week's haiku, by the Editor & his cousin Rowan!

"Nymph Egeria,

Advisor to King Numa --

Champions of peace."

Image by the Editor: The amphibious naiad Egeria would need a wheelchair on land b/c she was used to being weightless underwater.

Image Description:

Egeria, a naiad (an amphibious freshwater nymph), was the trusted advisor of Numa Pompilius, the 2nd King of Rome (reigned 715-673 BCE). In this image by the Editor, Egeria is dressed in royal purple robes and wears an ankh pendant (the symbol of immortality in ancient Egypt). 

Lily's Language Lab: 01/25/2026

Compiled by Lily Randall, Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

“Ephemeral" is the Word of the Week!

Ephemeral means "lasting for a very short time" in Greek. It is typically used to describe things that are transitory or fleeting. It can refer to things like "ephemeral beauty" or "ephemeral pleasures.”

Lily enjoys the recent snowfall in her backyard. (Digital image processed by the Editor.)

"Up and Down"

By George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Excerpted from Chapter 37 of At the Back of the North Wind (1871)

The Sun is gone down

And the Moon's in the sky

But the Sun will come up

And the Moon be laid by.

The flower is asleep.

But it is not dead,

When the morning shines

It will lift its head.

When winter comes

It will die! No, no,

It will only hide

From the frost and snow.

Sure is the summer,

Sure is the Sun;

The night and the winter

Are shadows that run.

Lily's Commentary:

This is a beautiful poem! I love the message of hope and the idea that the night and winter are temporary, and the summer and day will come back. It reminds us that everything in life is fleeting, but there is a cycle to life, and the darkest moments will pass. It's a comforting thought, especially during the coldest months of the year.

Weekly Haiku: 01/21/2026

This week's haiku, by the Editor & his cousin Rowan!

"Wintertime is here.

Nature’s icy dance unfolds.

Snowflakes gently fall."

Digital image by the Editor: Rowan stands next to a pine tree sprinkled with hoarfrost!

Image Description:

The Editor's cousin Rowan is standing next to a pine tree during a snowfall. The pine needles on the branches are sprinkled with hoarfrost due to the extremely cold temperatures.

Lily's Language Lab: 01/18/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer

This week's Word of the Week is called "doppelgänger."

Doppelgänger, which comes from the German language, literally means "double-goer." It refers to a double or a look-alike of a living person, appearing to be the person's identical twin. The origin of the term is unknown, but it has been commonly used since the 19th century.

In this digital image created by the Editor, we see Mallory (left), the Editor's cousin, and her doppelganger (right) at a bookstore. (Mallory is the Teen Bookworm Queen, BTW.) ;)

Weekly Haiku: 01/14/2026 -- Happy 12th Birthday to My Blog!

 Today is the 12th birthday of my blog @ https://rhcfortnightlyquotemail.blogspot.com! Here's a special haiku by my cousin Rowan & me!

"Twelve years of blogging.

An edutaining milestone!

Happy Birthday blog!"

Digital image by Yours Truly: My blog co-editor, Sophie, with birthday cake & blue roses!

Image Description:

Sophie, the co-editor of my blog, is seated at a table with a bouquet of blue roses and a birthday cake with the Roman numeral XII (12) on top. The color blue is in the flowers, the vase, the cake, Sophie's outfit, and the party decorations! :)

Lily's Language Lab: 01/11/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

For this week's Word of the Week, I have chosen the word "suzerain."

Suzerain or suzerainty refers to a feudal relationship in which a vassal or subject is subordinate to a sovereign or overlord. The term is derived from the Old French word suzerain, which in turn comes from the Latin phrase, “Superior imperat,” meaning, "The superior commands.”

 

In this digital image by the Editor, we see Nitocris, Queen of Babylon during the 540s BCE, standing in front of Babylon's renowned Ishtar Gate. She was the ruling suzerain of Babylon's extensive empire while her husband, King Nabonidus, was living in the desert oasis of Tema. Her son, Belshazzar, is the Babylonian king who saw the famous "handwriting on the wall" during the night before Babylon fell to Cyrus the Persian (October 29th, 538 BCE). She is referred to as Babylon's queen mother in Daniel 5; she is identified by name in the Histories of Herodotus, who also gives an account of her noteworthy achievements during her suzerainty.

Weekly Haiku: 01/08/2026 -- 1st Birthday Edition!

1st birthday of the weekly haiku! The Editor's cousin Rowan writes:

"A year’s time has passed.

Our haiku partnership thrives!

Two cousins write on!"

Image by the Editor: Rowan with a birthday cake for the Weekly Haiku! Many happy returns! :)

Image Description:

Rowan, the Editor's cousin and collaborator in the Weekly Haiku, sits at a table in an ancient Greek temple. She is wearing royal purple robes and a silver tiara! In front of her on the table is a birthday cake for the Weekly Haiku, with one candle on it. Off to the side, there is a small tablet with an inscription: "Haiku Master Rowan."

Lily's Language Lab: 01/02/2026

 Compiled by Lily Randall, Blog Staff Writer & Wortschatzmeisterin

The word perihelion comes from the Greek words “peri,” which means "near," and “Helios,” which means "Sun.” The perihelion of Earth, also known as the point on our planet's orbit when it is closest to the Sun, will occur on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. As the Earth reaches its perihelion, it means that the Earth is closest to the Sun.

Digital Image by the Editor:

The ancient Hittite solar goddess Arinna drives the fiery chariot of the Sun across the daytime sky. The Hittite Empire, which flourished in Anatolia (present-day Turkey) during the 2nd millennium BCE, ruled over a diverse group of peoples until it came to an end during the Bronze Age Collapse of Eastern Mediterranean civilizations around 1177 BCE. The Hittite peoples are mentioned several times by the biblical writers of ancient Israel.