Friday, October 17, 2008

Something so Simple

Clark's Teaberry Gum.


When my maternal grandmother (Mama Womack) were living, and I was just a small child, it was a great day when I would receive a note in the mail from Mama Womack. She didn't have much more than a dime to her name, but yet she was always thoughtful to include a little surprise in her letters. The surprise came in the form of Teaberry Gum. A single piece placed inside the envelope for her grandchild to find.
I saw this package the other day at a store. Even though I no longer chew gum (im not kidding), I had to buy it just to recall the smell, the taste, the sweet memory....all from a single slice of gum. That piece transported me, for just a moment to simpler times.
Like the musical poet, Jimmy Buffett sings about Juicy Fruit, the same can be said for Teaberry.
"Chew a little (Teaberry) it's good for the soul..."
Teaberry Gum. Yum.

17 comments:

"J" said...

I have never ever heard of this kind of gum?!?!?!?!

What a sweet story! I love it! It's neat how something so simple can take you back to such a GREAT time and place in your life!!!!

Awwww Leigh...great post!!!!

Tammy said...

You know, I have seen this gum but never tried it before. I may have to give it a whirl. I am certainly quite the gum chewer!

Tiny chiclets, doublemint, and juicy fruit all bring back a lot of memories.

Nicolle said...

That is very sweet. I love it when a smell or the sight of something brings back such good memories.

And isn't it funny, a Jimmy Buffett song always seems to fit any perfect situation. That's why I love him so much.

Have a great weekend! :)

h said...

Lovely sentiment.

Shannon said...

That is so sweet!

J'Ollie Primitives said...

We only see Teaberry and ummmm BlackJack? gum in the stores between Halloween and Christmas. They must hide it the rest of the year.

Orange marshmallow Circus Peanutes make me feel the same way. Nostalgic. Even if I don't like them AT ALL.

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

J- It's hard to come across.
Tammy- give it a whirl...
Nicole- Thanks! You are so right about Jimmy's songs. I think we can all relate, which is why I love him so-as do many others.

Troll & Shannon-Thanks guys!
J'Ollie Primatives-It is hard to come across. Those peanuts are not ones I like either, but my uncle (who has also since passed away) loved them. My mother would by them and take them to him when we would visit. That and the peanut butter logs individually wrapped candy.

Valarie Lea said...

Such good memories :)

Unknown said...

What a sweet story, I'm glad you bought a pack. I have never heard of this gum before.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I'm 46, so I remember this gum, but it was always too "hot" for my childhood tastebuds. Now I think I must have been tasting cloves, right? Thanks for bringing back the mems.

Power Up Love said...

It's kind of funny how some of the simplest gestures can make such a huge impact in our lives:) I guess the gum brought her back for a moment, not just with you, but with everyone who reads your post.

Jerri junque said...

Although I don't remember this gum, I to have memories of my grandmothers purse smelling like sweet juicy fruit gum. And smile when I see it on the shelfs. Thanks for the memory.

AwtemNymf said...

Those gums sure are have a kick to them. My favorite was stick of beemans and the clove ones! They remind me of my Gramma too!
~A~

nancygrayce said...

Ah, my grandma used to do things like that. She lived in our town, but when we visited, she would have a surprise for us, even if it was 5 pennies and walking to the little neighborhood store for 5 peppermint sticks!

Charnita said...

My great grandfather alwyys gave out Juicy Fruit to us and had this for himself occasionally.
He dipped Bruton snuff form a tin can but at church, had the gum and ALWAYS gave it to all kids there.

Sandra Evertson said...

Oh my gosh, I remember that gum!
Happy Halloween!
Sandra

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Valarie, it really is memories stored and field away there aong those sticks of gum.

Thank you Zinnia! I thought about you this weekend. LOL. Hope all went well...or perhaps you got lucky and it didnt. LOL.

2nd Cup of Coffee I think it must be cloves that you were tasting. You bet!

Thanks for stopping in Power Up LoveI appreciate your kind response.

Jerri junque I think it is so neat how many of us have the memory of a pack pf gum in "granny's" purse and that smell transposts each of us to simply. I had no clue, so many....

AwtemNymf I think it's neat that they remind you of your Gramma too! Glad I could include you on my trip down memory lane.

nancygrayce That is so sweet. Even thought times may have been tough, grandparents always found love to spread to make us each feel special. And it didnt have to cost alot. I hope anyone who reads this realizes that. It is the simplicities that we often overlook today. Thanks for sharing that!

Charnita, that is both sweet and funny! Hey, I gots a surprise for you tomorrow. Will put on your porch, k? Be lookin. You're gonna have a tear. Enjoy my little apple dumplin!

Sandra Evertson,Oh my gosh! I just adore your blog. Adore. Complete adoration. And so glad you could relate to my post!Happy Halloween to you too!