1. Home
  2. Journey Jots
  3. Journey Jots #4

Posts on theantiquedjourney.com may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. You can read the full privacy policy and disclosures here.

Journey Jots #4

By Rachel
|

Share this post. Share the Journey!

Welcome to Journey Jots #4!

In each weekly recap, I’ll share some of my most recent posts, favorite finds or things I’m currently shopping for, and an assemblage of home decor tips and decorating ideas from other bloggers. Settle in and join me for Journey Jots #4!

an 1800's house

Journey Jots #4

Before we dive in, I just wanted to take a minute to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. It doesn’t matter if you have been here for one day, one month or one year, I am so, so grateful for you.

Without you, there wouldn’t be The Antiqued Journey. Because you show up week after week and support my little blog, I can live my dream of writing and creating content. So, as we inch ever closer to this day of giving thanks, I’m thankful for you.

an old cabin from the 1800's at a park in Minnesota

Life Lately

The weather here has been unseasonably warm the past week or so. It’s very strange to have temps in the mid-60’s in November in Minnesota but I’m also not complaining too, too much. We’ve been able to get outside for some lovely Fall walks with Tilly!

walking in the Fall

You may or may not know that I am an avid fly angler. My husband taught me how to fly fish about eight years ago now and I’ve never looked back.

It’s the most spiritual, relaxing, and peaceful past time. When you are a fly fisher, that ‘just one cast’ or ‘this last cast’ always turns into ten more because you never know when a fish could eat.

Whitewater river State Park in Minnesota in November

Last weekend, we went fly fishing down in Southern Minnesota. We try and go once a month, even when it’s cold out. We were walking along the bank and spotted this huge rainbow trout and literally couldn’t believe how big it was. It’s the largest trout either of us had ever seen. It was incredible.

That fish could see us so we kept walking and I took a few casts at a different spot up river. Then, since we had given that big trout some time, I thought I would walk back there and take a few casts at it.

whitewater river in November

Trout fishing is hard. You have to really think through each cast, where you are going to land the fly in the water, which fly to use, being careful to not get your fly line stuck in a tree and making sure to walk gingerly and place yourself in a spot where the fish can’t see you.

So, I snuck up to the pool where the massive fish was sitting. I positioned myself behind a tall spot of grass while sitting on my knees. I casted twice and saw it come out and swipe my fly. Shaking, not believing what was happening, I casted again and he ate it! I set the hook and boom! He was on.

I yelled “I CAUGHT IT!” SO LOUD and just started crying, trying my hardest to keep my line tight to it would stay on. My husband came running as fast as he could, knowing exactly which fish I had hooked. This beautiful 17 inch Rainbow Trout is the fish of a lifetime and what fly fishing dreams are made of. I still can’t believe this huge fish ate my teeny tiny little fly but I am forever grateful.

18 inch rainbow trout

Also, I want to mention that we are catch and release anglers only. I could never keep a beautiful trout, especially one this large. These fish are ancient species and deserve to be put back in the river where they belong!

If you ever get the chance to try fly fishing, I highly recommend doing so. This sport gets you outside in nature, takes you to some beautiful places, disconnects you from social media and places you in the present moment. It’s such an incredible hobby and has truly changed my life.

17 inch Rainbow Trout

Favorite Weekly Shopping Finds

  • Dip your toe into the world of air-frying with this affordable air fryer!
  • These boots are amazing for the men in your life.
  • Put these scent sticks in your Christmas tree for fresh pine smell all holiday long.
  • We use this dog car seat bed for Tilly when we have her with us in the car. I feel so much better knowing she’s buckled in!
  • These plaid gift bags are perfect for holiday wrapping.
  • For an environmentally friendly kitchen, try re-useable sponges!

On the Blog

Last week I shared a thrifted Thanksgiving centerpiece using a vintage wooden crate. This decor piece is super simple and affordable. You might even have everything you need to make it already!

a thrifty Thanksgiving centerpiece with a vintage wooden crate

If you are in need of an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your harvest table, this thrifted Thanksgiving tablescape will be super helpful! It’s full of affordable table decorating ideas that you can use for any size table.

faux pumpkins for a Thanksgiving table

Lastly, The Antiqued Journey Christmas candle collection is live in my shop! This is, by far, my most favorite candle collection that I’ve poured. I’m so proud of how they turned out and I hope you love them, too.

There are 4 brand new scents, each one smelling of a cozy and nostalgic Christmas. I hope you will take a minute to check them out. Candles make amazing gifts!

The Antiqued Journey Christmas candle collection

Coming Up on The Antiqued Journey

This week I’ll be sharing my first Christmas post of the season! Come back on Thursday to see how to make a DIY garland with vintage Christmas music. Then, the last week of November is the next Thrifted Goodies post and I will be sharing a thrifted Christmas decor haul.

Be sure you are subscribed to my e-mail so you are the first to know about new posts and merchandise updates!

Rachel from The Antiqued Journey

Sign me up for the Journey!

Sign up for free antique and vintage inspiration, DIY projects, and thrifting tips straight to your inbox.

Home Decorating Ideas from Around the Web

I also found a few amazing home decorating ideas and easy DIY projects from some other creators that I wanted to pass along.

Closing Tidbits

Thank you so much for being here!

Mindful Tip of the Week: Give your attention to things that make you feel happy and at peace.

From my home to yours, I’m wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!

signature from The Antiqued Journey

If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more.

Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!

Follow Along with The Antiqued Journey

Other Posts to Enjoy

a wrapped present with a DIY Christmas gift tag
DIY Christmas Gift Tags with Stamps

vintage ornaments displayed in a Christmas bowl
Classic Red and Green Christmas Decor

wood round and beaded garland
DIY Wood Round and Bead Garland

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Wow, that is some fish Rachel. I’ve never been fly fishing, but it was a favorite pass time with my Grandpa as a little girl. Of course, I chuckle now, but I never put the worm on the hook, he did it for me. 😀 I had forgotten those days until now, thank you for the reminder. Thank you for sharing my Christmas crafting idea. It keeps me busy as thos cold weather sets in. Hope you have a Happy Turkey Day!

    Reply
    • Rachel Granholm
      November 19, 2023 10:31 am

      Hello!
      Thank you!! I know…I’m still reminiscing about the whole event one week later!
      I’m so happy to have featured your Christmas decor ideas! Thanks for coming by today and happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  • Wow! Congrats on your amazing catch! What a thrill that must have been! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Going to check out your links now! Blessings, Donna

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.
You need to agree with the terms to proceed

Rachel from The Antiqued Journey blog

Hey! I’m Rachel!

I’m so glad you are here! Old things are my jam. Antique malls and thrift stores are my happy places.

Here on the blog I love to share my excitement, knowledge, and ideas about all things antique, vintage, and thrifted. Let’s journey together!

E-Book now available!

Sign me up for the

Journey!

Sign up for free antique and vintage inspiration, DIY projects, and thrifting tips straight to your inbox.

    Popular

    My hand poured holiday candles are SOLD OUT!

    Thank you so much for supporting my little business.
    Menu