Peace out, 2015!

I wouldn't say 2015 was terrible but it wasn't awesome either.
I was locked in a battle with my doctors as I watched my health deteriorate only to be told that it was "anxiety" and "all in my head".  False!  After arguing and demanding a second opinion, I saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis.  Basically my immune system is attacking my joints.  Thanks immune system!
In July I said goodbye to my bestest furry friend of 11 years.  I still don't have words for the pain it put on my heart.
2015 decided to go out with a bang and gave us a blizzard of biblical proportions:  cars trapped under snow drifts,  people snowed into their houses, roofs collapsing under the weight of our belated white Christmas.
Oy...
But it wasn't all bad.  I like my rheumatologist.  She actually took the time to listen to my concerns and wanted to help me start to feel better.
I saw a lot of good movies, watched some good shows, listened to good music, and played some rad games.
And, finally, in November I found this little noodle head on the side of the highway.

What I'd like for Damn Fine Coffee in 2016:
I really hope to write more posts, especially more personal posts. I feel that personal blogging has really sort of died out as more and more bloggers hope to monetize their "lifestyles". I don't think I can single-handedly revive personal blogging. I'm just doing it for me and that's what matters.
I'd also like to talk about RA and treatments and supplements and what is working for me in case there are people out there, like me, newly diagnosed and searching for answers.

So, that's it.  I hope everyone has a fun and safe NYE celebration. 

See ya next year!

Damn fine holiday movies

Just a few of my personal holiday recommendations:


Home Alone is, of course, the quintessential holiday movie for those of us who were lucky enough to have been born in the 80s.  I remember seeing it in the theatre and begging my parents to put up the tree as soon as we got home.  I also wanted some bad guys to break into my house because I was pretty sure I could take them Macauley Culkin-style.


How the Grinch Stole Christmas  The animated version.  Don't even try to pull that live action Jim Carrey crap with me.


Batman Returns  Not only is it the best Batman movie ever, but it takes place during Christmas.  And it has tons of adorable penguins.

Deleted scene:  Batman scolds Catwoman for knocking the ornaments off and hiding them under the couch.

A Christmas Story because, well, duh.


Gremlins was not only a touching Christmas tale but it also taught the value of good pet ownership.  Just because your adult child is old enough to drink and holds down a full time job at the bank does not mean he's ready for a mogwai.

Dad, if this is one of your awful inventions, I'm going to scream.

Scrooged  Any re-telling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is alright with me but add Bill Murray into the mix and that's just the icing on the cake.


Edward Scissorhands The unsung Tim Burton Christmas movie.

May I see the receipt for those ornaments, Winnie?

It's beginning to look a lot like Twin Peaks

Want to make your holidays damn fine this year?
Start off by sending these rad cards to your friends and family.  Or keep them for yourself.  I won't judge.

Get yours here

 My log has something to tell you:  It looks delicious.

Get the recipe here

Oh Diane, almost forgot.  Got to find out what kind of trees these are.
Get in the holiday "spirit" with this Douglas Fir-inspired cocktail.

Recipe here

If BOB isn't leering at you from the branches of your Christmas tree, it might be time to re-think your decor choices.

See the whole scene here

Start planning for the new year with this adorable calendar.

Buy yours here

Adorable isn't really your style? How about a full year of the ladies of Twin Peaks?

Buy yours here

The mysticism of Twin Peaks

My favorite TV show meets my favorite divination method.

I've been a tarot enthusiast ever since I found a battered deck that belonged to my dad in my grandma's attic.  (What 70s-era teenager didn't mess around with a little occult lite?)

Artist Benjamin Mackey has been busy creating a Twin Peaks themed tarot deck.  View the entire deck here.
The Major Arcana is complete and Mackey is hard at work on the Minor Arcana cards. 
Naturally, the suit of cups is represented by none other than a damn fine cup of coffee.

Here's to hoping it becomes an actual deck or, at the very least, some kick ass prints.