travel

Footsteps to Faith: Meet Local Author of a Hiker’s Prayer Journal for Walking the Camino De Santiago

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Walking the Camino de Santiago ( The Way of St. James) in Spain is well known as a spiritual pilgrimage. There are physical and mental challenges, highs, lows, astonishing landscapes, and spiritual benefits for those who attempt any part of the trek. I know because I was lucky to walk 171.5 miles in June 2022 with my friend, Lisa Stone. Three years later, Lisa finished the Camino Frances route with her niece, Jessica. From start to finish, the entire route is about 490 miles in all and it is quite an accomplishment to complete it.

Screenshot from Inspiring Maps.com.

As a result, Lisa’s trek inspired her to write a prayer journal for other pilgrims, titled Pilgrimage with the Psalms. Within the book, there are 30 journal days, each with a specific Psalm excerpt, and a spiritual prompt for the day’s journey. The prayer journal accompanies the Camino, but would actually fit any journey you may wish to take.

Earilier this year, April 2026, Lisa presented a session about her journey at the Sevierville Public Library.

At the presentation, Lisa talked about the history and different routes of the Camino in Spain.

Packing information and useful items.

Lisa gave the audience a wide overview of the trek and told of her inspiration to write a prayer journal.

We had the opportunity to buy books and have them signed by the author at the end. Of course, I got one and hope to use it some day!

In addition, Lisa has written a Spanish version of her book for those who want that language option. Excellente!

Exciting news…Now, you have a second chance to meet this author and learn about her book: Pilgrimage With the Psalms.

Come meet local author, Lisa Stone, at the Sevier County Public Library 2026 Literary Showcase on Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the King Family Library, located at 408 High Street in Sevierville.

Screenshot of the event info from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page.
Screenshot of author, Lisa Stone, from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page.
Screenshot from the Sevier County Public Library Facebook page. Follow the library Facebook page— I did. Lots of great community activities going on!

Lisa Stone has a new website at Soloadventuringwithlisa.com

The author can be contacted for book information and speaking events at this email address lisamcintyrestone@gmail.com

A QR code to order books below.

See you Saturday at the Literary Showcase.

Buen Camino!

Dollywood Heartsong Hotel and Resort

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A while back, I was driving home from the REI store when I realized that I was across the street from the entrance of the Dollywood Heartsong Hotel and Resort. Being a local, I may never stay there so I decided to go and take a peek and maybe see my friend Heidi in the coffee shop. Five minutes later, I was walking into the new resort at Dollywood. Here are the beautiful things that I saw during my quick trip to see the new Dollywood Heartsong Hotel and Resort.

There is a spectacular view when you walk into the front door of the Heartsong Hotel and Resort.

A beautiful photo of Dolly Parton in the entrance area.

Outdoor areas have multiple fire pits and seating areas. Very inviting.

I imagine that this outdoor area is pretty spectacular at night.

There are several lounges for relaxation and meeting friends.

The Acoustic Lobby was the most interesting place on the ground floor and I was attracted to the colors.

Same room, better view!

There is memorabilia in this room that requires some time to examine to appreciate it.

Things to do and open spaces to enjoy relaxing days.

The indoor pool looked rather large through the window and the gift shop had all kinds of amenities.

The coffee shop had a wide variety of treats, snacks, and things to tide you over until meal time.

Pretty things on the walls.

If I get a chance to stay overnight at the Heartsong Lodge and Resort then I will certainly do so because it is a relaxing, inviting place in the Smoky Mountains.