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.