Pope Leo XIV's Home in Dolton, Illinois

I [Laurel Delaney] was born and raised in Riverdale, Illinois – 4 miles from Dolton, Illinois where Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) was raised.  I suspect we passed each other on our bikes growing up.

Photo credit (5/18/25):  ©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.  

The New Look of Starbucks in Rogers Park, Illinois

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between 'to-go' and 'for-here' service." – Brian Niccol, new Starbucks CEO 2024

USA Grieves the Tragic Event at a Parade in Highland Park, Illinois on 7/4/22

©iStock/OntheRunPhoto

In my [Laurel Delaney's] home state, Illinois, seven people were killed and more than two-dozen injured in the mass shooting by one individual at the Highland Park, Illinois Independence Day Parade (7/4/22).  Highland Park is known as a quaint, affluent suburb, roughly 30 miles North of Chicago.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Robert "Bobby" Crimo III, was taken into custody Monday night, several hours after the shooting. Investigators believe the suspect fired more than 70 rounds from the roof of a building overlooking the parade route.

There are no words to express the pain.

A Slice of Sweet Life from Deerfields Bakery

Five generations of the Schmitt family have carried on the family bakery tradition of the famous Deerfields Bakery (located in Deerfield, Illinois, USA) that Adam Schmitt started in 1886. Today, the Deerfields family includes its many dedicated employees and its “deerest” customers, all deserving of a sincere thank-you from the Schmitts.

Photos courtesy:  ©2018 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved. 

A Place You Never Grow Tired Of: Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park, Illinois

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Good wholesome food for the mind and the body in Rogers Park, Illinois, United States:  Heartland Cafe.  See it by day as well.

The Pokémon Go Craze

When I go for quick walks in my neighborhood -- whether it's 6:30 a.m. in the morning or 7:30 p.m. -- (Rogers Park, Illinois), I typically see one or two guys hanging out.  Not after the Pokémon Go launch.  Guys are everywhere outside, as you can see.  For single women, this could be good?

Photos courtesy:  ©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Artists of the Wall Festival 2016 in Rogers Park, Illinois

The Artists of the Wall Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and music. Each year over Father’s Day weekend, neighbors of all ages come together to collaborate on a 600-foot mural at Loyola Park Beach at 6850 North, between Farwell and Morse Avenues.  The festival has become an annual celebration that the Rogers Park community has come to love.

These are the few of the murals I photographed.  Be sure to visit in person to see all the art and to appreciate the creativity.  The theme this year is "Drawing on the Lake."

Learn more:  Artists of the Wall Festival 2016

Photos courtesy:  ©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Steve Jobs, the Movie

Getting ready to see the move Steve Jobs at the Century 12 movie theater in Evanston, Illinois.

Photos courtesy:  ©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Fundamental Things Like Home

Photo courtesy:  Robert Marovich, Journal of Gospel Music

"The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship." - Emelia Earhart

Photo courtesy:  Bob Marovich, Journal of Gospel Music (Riverdale, Illinois).  All rights reserved.

The Great Chicago Blizzard 2011

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, Rogers Park, Illinois, February 2011.

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.  You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" ~ J.B. Priestley

Relish the Pleasure of Life

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Enjoying the final days of summer in Rogers Park, Illinois. No matter where you are in the world, relish the pleasure of life.

No Matter Where You Are In the World, Take a Break

Photo credit: Laurel Delaney, Rogers Park, Illinois, United States

Cold Snowy Chicago Winter

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Above is a glimpse of what the weather is like in Chicago. Lots of snow with chilly winds. I bundled up, did some shoveling and took a daring walk by the lake to capture this moment.

Hope it's a little more bearable in your part of the world.

In the meantime, wet-cold-rain-snow, the folks at Wal-Mart are building an international empire.

Join Us In Chicago: Exporting For Growth Seminar!

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Please join us at the "Exporting For Growth Seminar" in Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois) on Thursday, May 15 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Hosted by UPS and the U.S. Commercial Service, the complimentary seminar will help you tackle global trade.

I will be moderating a panel discussion with local small businesses on the secrets to success for engaging in global trade and would welcome a chance to meet you in person. See you there!

To learn more and to register (it's complimentary), visit: Exporting For Growth Seminar.