A week ago I was in County Kerry, Ireland playing tourist with my niece, nephew and my better half — snapping photographs around the Ring of Kerry, hiking through the Killarney National Park, touring a grand house that once hosted Queen Victoria, and eating the requisite Irish stew and fish and chips. Above us the sky provided a variety show, moving from sunny to stormy to rain and sleet. (Note to self: the hooded water repellent jacket was an excellent choice over the more fashionable trench without a hood.) The photos here show only a fraction of the fun. My niece and I shared giggly secrets, and my nephew warmed my heart with his quiet charm.

Now back in the New World, I’m feeling the jet lag in a big way but it was well worth it to spend some quality time with family. While I was in Europe, emails landed in my inbox from Canada, Slovenia and, coincidentally, Ireland. It is both surreal and comforting to know that women from different places can find in a California woman’s experience so many shared emotions.

From Ireland:

 I received your book today. I have already started reading and am feeling so much empathy with your experiences. I hope you are having a lovely time here.

From Slovenia:

It was comforting to read that I am not alone. Reading this book I thought hundred times – those are exactly my feelings! I could write this book myself.

From Quebec, Canada:

I have been a follower of your coming2termsblog. I found your site to very inspiring and helpful. I recently ordered your book through Amazon.ca but I have yet to receive it since they do not have any in stock. Anxiously awaiting to read your Silent Sorority book…

So the world gets smaller by the day, and more importantly, our voice is being heard. I’m happy to report that also while I was away, MORE magazine posted its Indie Books to Read This Spring. Thanks to readers like you an infertility memoir made the top five!

Coming next week: a new guest post. Time now for more caffeine…