Two from the Island

The States

I have always grown up wanting to travel and see what is out there. I now can cross Ireland off of my list of places to touch in the world with my personality. The trip couldn't have gone better. The group I was traveling with was truly a blessing. I will be posting pictures on here from time to time, but I have hundreds and will be very selective with them. And, if you are lucky, you will even get to see a few short video clips from the places I got to see.

Now I'm going to rant about my current condition. With every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and this is proven with "jet lag"... Also, the entire airport procedure is tough on the human body. After being in a tiny Delta Connections jet with 2 crying and screaming infants, a smelly jet bathroom 2 seats away from me, and an air conditioner that blew warm air you would think I would be my cheerful, normal self... But, of course there has to be icing on the cake. Delta lost my luggage. And I should add that they managed to lose a piece of everyones luggage who flew on the flight from the New York JFK Airport. Talk about some unhappy campers when we all found out. But Delta proved to concur my confidence in them when my bag was delivered this afternoon as promised.

It really is hard to describe exactly everything that I went through on my trip to Ireland. I fell in love with the life of Ireland. The Isle of Ireland is covered with beautiful landscape, history, and people. I will be going back someday soon. Perhaps by then I can bring people along with me.

Here are a few pictures I worked on tonight. Though they aren't processed fully yet, I still wanted to share them.

Ireland

Hello all!

By the time you read this, I will already be on the coast of Ireland enjoying the beautiful views and the wonderful culture. I am studying abroad for photography and art. I will be back in a few weeks time. Feel free to shoot me all the emails you care to. I would love to hear from you! But I must ask that you refrain from calling or texting my cell phone. I can't be paying an expensive bill for international communications via cell phone when the internet is pretty much cost free. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers during these past few months. It feels great to be packed all up and actually going through with it. I have dreamed of this day for a very long time!

email: joelcookprocess@gmail.com

Thank you all for everything!

-Joel

July 4th

Happy July 4th to all who read this!

Today is a day when the charcoal gets to have a go around at another perfect burger or dog. Today is a day when the little ones have their eyes wider than golf balls as they run up to the fireworks stand to grab sparklers and roman candles. Today is a day when young love can reach a new step as Johnny Q pulls the girlfriend a little bit closer to steal a kiss beneath the explosions in the sky. Today is a day when those family gatherings turn into days that wont soon be forgotten because it might have been the last time you saw that loved one. Today is a day when watermelon taste its best under the hot southern sun. Today is a day when I recall all the other 4th that I have experienced and thank God that I have the upbringing and country that I have been blessed with. Yes, today is a day I count my blessings. All of the past 4th of Julys will help contribute to how amazing this day truly is. Not just to me, but every soul in this country. These days freedom doesn't come for free but as we hold on to what freedom we have, we should embrace what we are blessed with and remember the good times.