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.