Blog Title: Feeding on Folly
Blogger: CJ Hartwell
Review Period: January to December, 2017
Reviewer: CJ’s Internal Critic
Note: Beings how this CJ person is currently enjoying some time off work — and sleeping in EVERY morning like the lazy bum she is — I, her Internal Critic, am conducting her Annual Review in her place. (She can thank me later.)
Blog Description
Hard to say. Is this a humor blog? Food blog? Self-help blog? (Lord knows Self could use some help.)
Describing this blog is like describing the smelly thing you stepped in while walking the dog: Possible, but why go there?
Posts of Note
Your top three posts this past year, both in terms of “clicks” and “likes”, were:
In close running were two other posts: one on Broadway Musicals and one on your Post-NYC Blues. The one unifying thread among all five posts: New York. As in all five mention New York in some fashion. If you had a brain, you’d write about New York more. Or just tag every post New York whether they were about it or not. Or maybe just write it: New York. Give it some thought.
As for my personal favorite, I’d have to say it was the week you missed. Remember that one? You totally forgot what day it was and didn’t publish anything. That was great. You should do that more often.
New York.
Accomplishments
√ Back in March you created a Facebook page for your blog. Then in late April you went on vacation (New York) and promptly forgot about it. Sometime in September you tried to resuscitate it with about as much enthusiasm as giving mouth-to-mouth to a blowfish. 
√ You stretched a bit with your writing with your rambling thoughts on Beauty and a feeble attempt at poetry. Normally stretching is good, but in some cases, e.g., yours, it’s less so.
√ You added some illustrations to your posts to give them a (*cough*) New Yorker flair. It is painfully obvious, however, that the ones where you bribed Daughter for help (Suicidal Mice) compared to the ones you did yourself (Cursive Schmursive) are vastly different in quality:
The answer? Less drawing, more bribery.
Additional Comments
You are nearing your third full year of blogging when many (okay, it was just me) said you’d never make it three days.
You managed to hoodwink a sizable number of people into following this blog, when everyone (fine, just me again) said you’d be lucky if you got your family to read it.
Maybe I was wrong before, but this time I’m right: give this foolish thing up NOW! If you continue stretching yourself as a writer and trying new things, you might fail! And you know what’ll happen if you fail? You’ll DIE!
Okay, maybe not actually die, but you know what I mean…
Oh shoot, she’s waking up! I better finish this thing fast. Dang it, now she’s reading something affirming! I hate it when she does that! It only encourages her.
I better hit this publish button fast before she tells me to shut—
Feeding on Folly 
We wish we had time to do an annual review of ourselves, but we probably sleep too much. BTW, you forgot to tag this with New York 😉
Sleeping is good! And good tip on the New York tag, I better add it! 😉
Yes, NYC was great and you discovered “the diary of a noble woman” but from my point of view your biggest accomplishment was writing cool stuff that enchanted a least one Canadian
It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? Though I hear Canada is filled with enchanting bloggers too. Well, at least one. 😉
Great review. Just tag every thing with “New York” and you’ll be off the charts by May…
Whatever you are, keep being that, C.J.!
Thanks, Mitch! 🙂
Thanks! If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere!
“It’s up to you, New York, New York!”
I love all the little buttons and bows but in the end, your a great writer and that’s what stands out… jc
Well, thanks JC!
You know, it just occurred to me that our initials are reversed. Maybe we’re siblings in another life? 😉 … cj
I do find this fascinating. People come into your life with a feeling that you knew them before.,, cosmic.
You see, if I was your line manager, I’d be giving you Box Mark Outstanding everything. I love your blog – it remains one of the best surprises (surprise only because I didn’t know it was there, not because I had some sort of pre-formed opinion before delving in) of last year. I say long may you ride.
Gosh, you’re the manager of my dreams! I’m totally willing to pick up your dry cleaning too. Keep that in mind. 😉
Thanks, Osyth. As usual, your comment is outstanding. 🙂
Dang. I was intentionally trying to avoid a “best of” post to jump-start the new blogging year, but then you come along with this festive and fine example of how to do it right, and my fires have been lit. All of which indirectly leads me to how I should have started this comment, if I had any sense or focus: Your blog is such a refreshing example of honesty and humor done well that I get a little twitterpated every time I see a new post, and I just can’t quit you… 😉
I like the idea of being a fire-lighter, blogging-wise! Let’s go with that! Only whatever you do, don’t let your internal critic take the helm. Mine’s a bitch, not sure if yours will be any nicer.
And lo, you made me think of a certain movie which is due for a rewatch. Does it include Thumper or Heath Ledger? I’ll never tell.
Fire your Inner-self critic – she knows nothing. This is a fine example of fun, with an underlying thread of good advice , enjoyment and just downright good stuff.
Never listen to the critics (unless they are saying something good!).
Thanks, Claudette! You know, now that you mention it, I can’t remember a time my critic has been right. It’s about time I kick her out! (I wonder if there are any internal cheerleaders looking for work?) 🙂
I’m sure they are, you just have to listen hard for them.
You should go to management and appeal this ridiculous performance review. I love your blog! I am reminded of a poor performance review that I once received while working as an engineer in an orange juice factory. They said I couldn’t concentrate.
Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious! That sounds like good blog material there — or heck, the basis for an entire blog where people post their worst (and funniest) performance reviews.
Couldn’t concentrate… 😂
Most performance reviews encourage “raise the bar” or “step outside comfort zone”. I encourage you to ignore the former and remain firmly entrenched in the latter. In other words, don’t change a thing. I love your wit and your unashamed honesty. Looking forward to more!
You know how to make a gal blush, don’t you? Thanks so much! Here’s to another year of honesty with a touch of goofy wittiness! 🙂
I was definitely not one of those who underestimated you. I knew when we both started three years ago you’d get better every month! Here’s to three more!
I forgot we met in Blogging 101 — Gosh, that seems so long ago! Thanks for the affirmation, here’s to three more for both of us! 👍
📝