some-thing / ˈsəmˌTHiNG   noun   a specific undetermined or unidentified object In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. Lee Iacocca, 1924-   an additional amount that is unknown or unspecified For years I’ve been hearing 20-somethings say they don’t expect Social Security to be around when they... Read More

bor-row / ˈbärō,ˈbôrō   verb   to obtain or receive with the understanding and promise to return the same or equivalent I have learned to live each day as it comes, and not to borrow trouble by dreading tomorrow. Dorothy Dix, 1861-1951   in finance, to accept a loan of money with the intention of returning the full amount plus interest If you would... Read More

prom-ise / ˈpräməs noun   a declaration that one will or will not do something There is no greater fraud than a promise not kept. Gaelic Proverb   reason to expect something Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn. Traditional Saying, often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882   something one has expressly confirmed April is a promise that May is bound... Read More

Vial vi-al / ˈvī(ə)l noun 1.      a small container typically made of glass, meant for holding liquids …whether you take poison from a vial or pour it into Bavarian crystal, it is still poison. Maya Angelou, 1928-2014 Vile vile / vīl adjective 1.      morally despicable A beautiful shell that houses a vile soul becomes sullied over time. from ‘Defy’ by Sara B. Larson, ?- 2.      very unpleasant We sing, but oh... Read More

wild-life / ˈwīl(d)līf noun 1. living creatures which are not human or domesticated If you reach out and touch and love and be with wildlife, you will forever be changed, and you will want to make the world a better place. Terri Irwin, 1964- adjective 1. of or for undomesticated living things To those who have always wondered how they might best serve the... Read More

a-tone / əˈtōn   verb   to make amends The ability of a person to atone has always been the most remarkable of human features. Leon Uris, 1924-2003   to make up, as for errors, usually followed by for Discerning placement of a comma does not atone for a spiritual coma. Paramahansa Yogananda, 1893-1952   a-tone-ment / əˈtōnmənt noun   amends or reparations made for... Read More

tu-te-lage / ˈtü-tə-lij noun 1. the act of protecting, instructing or guiding another person Mothers, fathers, politicians: all must combine in their respect and help for this delicate work of formation, which the little child carries on in the depth of a profound psychological mystery, under the tutelage of an inner guide. Maria Montessori, 1870-1952 2. the state of acting under the direct supervision of an authority... Read More

Whine whine / wīn noun 1.      a complaint made in an annoying, child-like manner The continual whine of lamenting the burden of taxes, however successfully it may be practiced in mixed governments, is inconsistent with the sense and spirit of a republic. Thomas Paine, 1737 – 1809 2.      the act of making a sustained, high and sad sound The collie uttered a whine and a loud bark. from “Three Boys” by George... Read More

pur-suit / pərˈso͞ot noun 1.      the act of following in order to overtake, hunt, etc. The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. John Buchan, 1875-1940 2.      a quest or effort to attain or secure Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. Guillaume Apollinaire, 1880-1918 3.      a... Read More

pur-suit / pərˈso͞ot   noun   the act of following in order to overtake, hunt, etc. The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. John Buchan, 1875-1940   a quest or effort to attain or secure Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and... Read More