The Secret to Getting Ahead

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." – Mark Twain

Never Regret Anything That Made You Smile

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile." – attributed to Mark Twain

The Greatest Banquet in American History

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

In 1879, the "Greatest Banquet in American History” was celebrated at the grand Palmer House Hotel in Chicago.

Commemorating the return of President Ulysses S. Grant after his trip around the World, Potter and Bertha Palmer hosted a gala dinner for 500 dignitaries including honoring Civil War heroes, General William Sherman and Phillip Sheridan. Among those in attendance Palmer’s friend, Mark Twain was the master of ceremonies, making this dinner and hotel talked about for ages to come. 

Learn more about the Greatest Banquet in American History.

Angels Breathing

©2013 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious.  And why shouldn't it be? - it is the same the angels breathe." - Mark Twain, "Roughing It"

Photo:  Navy Pier, Chicago

In This World, Don't Be Too Particular

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, Singapore Changi airport, jewelry shop (February 8, 2011)

"Let us not be too particular.  It is better to have old second-hand diamonds than none at all." ~ Mark Twain