Report on the Great Valley Bookfest

On the Friday night before the actual bookfest, we (daughter Lisa and I) were invited to enjoy the Author's Reception. And enjoy we did. We sat with Bob and Carol, long time friends, though I don't get to see them often. Talked to lots of interesting folks. Ate some great food, but most exciting of all was seeing William Kent Krueger. Not only is he one of my favorite writers, but when Mayhem in the Midlands was still the best conference going--hubby and I became friends with him and his wife. We looked forward to seeing them every year.



Kent was the super star of the event. If you haven't read him, try Ordinary Grace, his stand-alone. I love his mystery series too, and he may be one of the best when it comes to setting. 

We headed back to the hotel looking forward to sleeping in those wonderful beds. I slept for about two hours, had to get up to go to the bathroom. On my way back to bed, my heart started beating so fast it made my ears hurt. This has happened before. I had Lisa get me an aspirin and I took it. Usually that calms things down--but it didn't. Then I got a dull ache in my upper back. Scared me. Lisa called 911, the 911 operator told me to chew another aspirin which I did, but it didn't help.

4 Firemen and 2 EMTs arrived. They took my blood pressure, high, and did an EKG, erratic heartbeat. They convinced me I should go to the ER. By the time I was in the ambulance I felt better. Arrived at the hospital, more tests. Blood test showed my magnesium very low--doc said due to taking Nexium. Gave me magnesium tablets and a prescription for more.

(I gave my Seldom Traveled cards to the EMTs and nurses in the hospital.)

We got back to the hotel around 2:30 a.m. Got up next in about 3 hours, went after the prescription, and headed to the book festival. Got set-up and sat there, not really feeling too well. But was tickled when Kent's wife came by and we had a nice conversation. 

I did sell two books and handed out lots of cards, but after lunch I knew I really needed to leave. I hate bailing on something like that, but looking back, I should have given up and not gone at ll. 

We headed home, sleepy as could be. Stayed awake by playing games.

Went to bed not long after getting home. Rested most of Sunday, and yes, I feel much better.

Marilyn, who hates to give up.




Comments

Wow, what an event (and a scare). I'm like you though about hating to give in or give up and, as I read this, I kept thinking if this was going to happen no matter what, how fortunate to occur after you got back to the hotel and you got to be part of the event. Many people would not have gone back the next day though. Hope you are feeling better. Glad you got to talk to your friend, sell two books and hand out lots of swag. You accomplished a lot under dire circumstances.
Unknown said…
What a pleasure to read about your optimism and determination. I am happy that you are all right, and sometimes these little scares are signals to take things one step at a time; I am awfully happy you didn't give up, too. Despite the health scare, it sounds as if the event was very fruitful.

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