Jif Peanut Butter
When I come home after a long day at work, the best thing waiting for me is my jar of Jif Reduced Fat Peanut Butter. Very few things can soothe stress like a big spoonful of creamy, delicious Jif.

I often write blogs about my job- -- teaching and tutoring students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In my English classes I also encourage students of all ages to write blogs on any subject that pops into their minds. 

To demonstrate for them just how random thoughts can produce good writing, I'll say, "I'm hungry right now, and I'd like some Jif peanut butter." Students look quizzically at me. They can't believe that a former journalist for the Charlotte Observer wants to write a blog on peanut butter. "That's too simple," they say.

But it's not. I've written three blogs that include Jif Reduced Fat peanut butter. One blog is devoted just to Jif. Why? I associate Jif with many comforting feelings. "When I'm busy, stressed, sleepy, and hungry," I tell students, "I grab a long-handled spoon and dig into the jar and grade papers." A couple students have asked if that's why their papers smelled like a PBJ?   

Writing should mean something to the writer and communicate what their need is. Writing should also mean something to the reader. It's a circle.

While I'd love everyone to read my blogs about Jif peanut butter and how it makes me feel like I'm back in a college dorm during a simpler time in my life, maybe people cannot relate. Maybe they prefer Peter Pan or Skippy.