It’s that time of year again. That special time of year when the folks from Glee Gum travel from RI to take a bite out of the Big Apple… and a whole lot of other delicious things, too.

That’s right, folks! It’s time for the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC, YIPPEE!

Are you are a retailer, foodservice provider, or distributor? You do NOT want to miss this opportunity to meet, check out, and try delectable samples from 2,400 exhibitors. They come from far and wide to showcase their specialty foods and beverages, and the results are nothing less than SCRUMPTIOUS. For show hours, registration, directions to the Jacob Javits Center and more, click here.

And when you come, be sure to visit Glee Gum at booth # 4842. We’ll be the ones rubbing our tummies, smacking our lips, and sighing contentedly. Oh yes, and we’ll also be giving away gum. YUM!

Congratulations to the 8 winners of  Glee Gum’s Summer 2010 GLEE-ful Giveaway! The first 8 responders to our newsletter giveaway each won a great gift pack of GLEE show merchandise: a GLEE cap, bag, tee shirt, and autographed cast photo (plus a few packs of Glee Gum for good measure). Woo hoo!

But winning aside, the most wonderful part of the giveaway was all the entries we received. We asked folks to email one thing that makes them Glee-ful – be it a flavor of gum or a hug from a chum. We thought you might like to read some of them!

So, without further ado, what brings Glee to YOU?

The smell of the outdoors after it rains makes me feel positively alive and effervescent! – Jennifer

Family! -Sarah

WEEKENDS!!!! - Josie

Only one tale of glee? That’s like being limited to one potato chip, or even worse, one piece of Wee Glee. Okay, so here’s the current one: It gives me glee to wake up and find my cat waiting patiently outside the door after a long night prowling the neighborhood. She always has great stories to tell. - Peter

Rescuing feral or abandoned kitties from the streets, making sure they are healthy by visiting a vet, and seeing that they go to a safe, loving home. - Michele

Watching “GLEE” and singing along to all the cool songs they do each week, especially those with a theme of some kind. So that’s why they call it Glee Club!! - Frannie

My husband, always! - Marci

What makes me feel gleeful is when I go shopping or make a new friend. I feel gleeful when people actually care for me. I would feel even more gleeful if I get a MacBook Pro. I hope I win one soon.  - Crystal

My granddaughter. - Anonymous

I’d be so GLEE-ful to win the prize package and give it to my friend Amy who is a HUGE “GLEE” Fan (and has been from the beginning)! That would bring me GLEE! -Molly

My black lab brings me glee– he is 10 years old and a wonderful pet. - Vicki

Children playing and laughing. - Tracy

Getting free stuff!! - Cricket

If you are old enough to remember the TV show “Laugh-In,” you might remember Les Brown and his Band of Renown– and maybe even Burt Bacharach and his Band of Renacharach. Hahahahahahahahaha! - Cindy

Seeing Jonathan Groff, a.k.a. Jesse St. James on “GLEE,” mmm.  - Kelly

Sharing Glee Gum with my friends!  It is our favorite treat and I love making my friends smile with a special Glee surprise. - Stefanie

Watching our kids laugh and have fun! - Shawn

My wonderful husband, the light of my life. - Joyce

My child’s laughter. - Leann

My nieces, Victoria and Jacqueline! - Kelly

My friends and family!! - Melinda

Landscape painting out in the fresh air and sunshine! - Paula

Taking funny pictures of my family. - Rachael

Having a home-cooked meal made by my wife. - Farhan

Being in an all women’s chorus where we build community and sing together. Some days, it’s the only thing that keeps me going. - Cecelia

The hug of my cats!! - Jayne

Glee Peppermint Gum! - Ann

My 79-year-old Uncle makes me Gleeful. He has had to live his life in a wheelchair since birth. He has never let that stop him. This man is amazing! Up until recently, he was living on his OWN, went to Red Sox games by himself and was so independent that he makes teenagers look lazy!

Recently, he suffered from a fall and muscle weakness that has put him in a temporary nursing home until he regains his strength. He went from being unable to move his left hand, to now in less than a month feeding himself and moving his wheelchair with his own hands. He is the most dedicated Red Sox fan I know to boot!

My Uncle makes me gleeful because he’s an amazing inspiration to me. Because when life “hands” him lemonades, he not only makes lemonade, but he fills that pitcher with enough love to propel the rest of us to do better! I am so proud of him! - Erica

My family, God singing, and soon to be sugar-free Glee Gum! - Haley

Knowing that “GLEE” has been renewed for another season! It is my favorite TV show! - Laura

Wee Glee brings me Glee. Makes me Glee-ful by the handful! - Katy

Watching children’s faces as they get entranced by music.  It’s beautiful. - Gail

Reminiscing with old friends on Facebook. - Kristin

Watching my own kids gleefully performing their hearts out on stage. - Dori

My brothers, who are 9 months old and 3 years old. - Roger

One of the many things that makes me happy is blogging about socially conscious small businesses– more often than not, while chewing Cinnamon Glee Gum. Ah, bliss… - Kari of GoodBiz113

I get the most glee when I treat my kids and husband with love, no matter what, especially when I get an “I love you” back. - Adrienne

My niece. - Cyndee

Hearing my daughter, Alexandria, sing “The Phantom of the Opera.” - Rosemarie

A family outing! -Janice

My daughter. - Amy

My niece Alena…. She is so caring and thoughtful and she’s only two. If the next generation is anything like her, there is hope for this world yet. - Jamie

Jamie & Alena - thanks for sharing such a Glee-ful picture!

Hey gum chums. Do you find voting fun?

If so, please nominate our lovely and amazing Make Your Own Gummies Kit for Best Crafts Kit in Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks Awards! We need your help to be in the running for a 2010 Award. You can nominate us once a day, every day, from now until June 17 at www.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks. Thanks for your support!

And Gummies Kit– go get ‘em!

We are Chicago-bound!

Hello to that toddlin’ town, and get ready for a showdown. Well, more like a hoedown. Glee Gum is heading your way to turn the whole Windy City into a Glee-ful par-tay!

First up, the Chicago Green Festival. Open to the public, the Green Fest will be held at the Navy Pier this very weekend — May 22nd – 23rd. Expect wonderful workshops, organic eats, sensational speakers and, of course, GLEE GUM!  Glee Gum will be one of 350 green businesses exhibiting there. Find us at booth # 210! And to learn more, click here.

Next up, the NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo. From May 25th – 27th, buyers, brokers, and store owners flock to McCormick Place in droves to check out and taste-test all manner of delicious, sweet (and occasionally salty) treats. Naturally, Glee Gum has got to go! If you’re one of the lucky attendees or another vendor, come see us at booth # 752 and enjoy some Glee-ful samples! For more info, click here.

What else will we do in Chi-town? Who knows! But it is sure to make for a swell time in the Second City. Ciao for now, gum chums!

As the humble mascot of delicious, delicious Glee Gum, you know my sentiments on chewing gum. So you can only imagine my sheer delight at reading a new children’s book on the subject!

Chavela and the Magic Bubble, published this spring by Clarion Books, is about a little girl whose love of chewing gum leads her on a magical adventure. Incorporating Latin American culture, rainforest conservation, and the history of chewing gum, this fun story is written by Monica Brown.

The lovely Monica was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule to discuss her inspiration, background, plans and more in an interview with Glee. Check it out!

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR MONICA BROWN…

• Where are you from, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Mountain View, California, the daughter of a North American father and a South American mother. For the last eleven years, I’ve lived in Flagstaff, Arizona, where I am a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University.  My specialty is U.S. Latino/a literature.  In addition to California and Arizona I’ve lived, worked, and studied in Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, and Guadalajara, Mexico.

• When did you become interested in writing?

It was my interest in reading that led to my interest in writing.  For me, always, it’s been books, books, books!  As a creative and energetic child, I needed a place to channel all that mental energy.  I can only imagine what a rascal I might have become had I not been able to have vicarious adventures through the characters in found in books. [She grins.]  I went to college as a declared English major, and soaked up everything from Shakespeare to Chicano literature.  After graduating, I worked as journalist on an American-owned paper in Guadalajara.  I went back to school for my master’s in English and then just kept going for the doctorate.  I’ve always been intrigued by the power of words across genres.  Since  I’ve spent my life teaching and surrounded by literature, it wasn’t a big stretch then, to try my hand at creating meaningful literature for children.  I fully believe in the transformative potential of art—it can be an experience of beauty, of joy, of political awareness, of finding voice.  I want my work to achieve all these things with the most important audience of all—our children.

• Here at Glee Gum, we absolutely love your new book, Chavela and the Magic Bubble. What inspired you to write about chewing gum? Where do you find inspiration for the subject matter in your children’s books?

Thank you!  With this particular book, it was my daughter Isabella’s question, “Where does chewing gum come from?” that led me to do some research on the topic—what I found out fascinated me. I am always interested in the connectedness of all of us residing in the Americas and chicle is a rich part of that historical connection. My daughter  Isabella’s love of fun, adventure, and chewing gum inspired the character of Chavela, of course!   In Latino culture, “Chavela” is a common nickname for Isabel or Isabella.  I often find inspiration from my culture—specifically Peru, the country of my mother’s birth and, more generally, Latin America.  I’ve traveled extensively in Peru and Mexico and have explored the richness of the Americas.  I’m also inspired by other writers—especially those writing in the magic realist tradition.  I wrote a biography of Gabriel García Márquez for children, My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel García Márquez (Luna Rising, 2007), and this inspired me to try and create a magic realist text for children. I also find inspiration in nature—like me, Chavela loves the birds and the butterflies and magical Sapodilla trees. Another character, Juliana in my book Butterflies on Carmen Street/Mariposas en la Calle Carmen (Piñata, 2007) is bewitched by butterflies.

• Are you a big gum-chewer, and do you have a preferred brand or flavor?

I happen to love chewing gum, and this made the idea of a little girl taking a magic bubble gum ride even more whimsical and fun.  Finding out about Glee Gum was a delight because of your commitment to sustainable harvesting of chicle and because of the yummy product of course!  My daughter Isabella’s favorite flavor of Glee gum is spearmint, but mine is–you guessed it—bubble gum flavor!

• How did you research for Chavela…? Did anything you learn surprise you?

I did do quite a bit of research on the topic of chicle and it led me, among other places, to your website.  I was delighted to find pictures of the chicleros and the chicle harvesting process in your “From Tree to Glee” section. I also came across scholarly articles on the subject and was excited to discover that the ancient Maya were chewing chicle long before we ever were.  Just recently, I’ve discovered a wonderful new book on the subject– Chicle: The Chewing Gum of the Americas by Jennifer Mathews.  In learning about the Grand Petén Rainforest, my commitment to environmental preservation was strengthened, and I decided to link to The Rainforest Foundation and your site in the author’s note at the end of my book.

• The illustrations in the book are beautiful. Did you collaborate with artist Magaly Morales throughout the writing process, or did she base her work on the finished manuscript?

Magaly Morales was the perfect artist for this project.  She is a native of Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico and our collaboration crossed borders–just like Chavela does on her magic bubble gum ride.  Magaly worked with the finished manuscript, though a few textual changes were made later on in the process.  Her beautiful colors and fantastical illustrations bring the story to life.

• How have folks been reacting to Chavela…?

I’ve had wonderful reactions!  I just debuted Chavela and the Magic Bubble at “Connecting Cultures and Celebrating Cuentos: The National Latino Children’s Literature Conference” at the University of Alabama and they quickly sold out.  And recently, on two separate school visits, I shared sample packs of Glee Gum and that involved readers of Chavela’s story on a whole other level–the creative writing students wanted to know where they could buy Glee Gum. They were amazed that this delicious product came from a tree! In my town of Flagstaff, it is available at New Frontiers Natural Marketplace.  As far as book reviews, I was pleased when Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist gave the book rave reviews.  Teachers are especially excited when they find out that there is a wonderful new discussion guide for Chavela that can be found right here.

• What’s next for you?

I am lucky to have several books coming out over the next few years.  My next book, out this Fall, is titled Side by Side:  The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a Lado: La Historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez (Harper Collins, 2010).  Dolores Huerta, the co-founder of the United Farmworkers Movement, just turned 80 and she’s still working for social justice.  You can find out all about my current and future books at my website, MonicaBrown.net.

• Anything you’d like to add?

Just keep on keeping on!  As a mother of two fabulous girls, I try to avoid unnatural dyes and synthetic products.  I appreciate the quality of your products and applaud your company’s commitment to sustainable harvesting of chicle, environmental education, forest preservation, and fair labor practices.  Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat!

Thank YOU, Monica! For those now raring to read Chavela and the Magic Bubble, it is available everywhere fine books are sold. Here are the links to find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at an independent book-seller near you. And stay tuned for the upcoming issue of the Glee Gum Newsletter, which includes a chance to win your very own free copy!

Hello, gum chums!

How you be? Now that it is finally sunny here in RI, I can’t help but be full of Glee!

Here’s another thing that gives me reason to smile: some pictures I’ve been meaning to share with you for awhile!

Let me explain, in language more plain… (Goodbye for now, rhyme! Until next time!) We hear from lots of folks that the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit is a great tool for science projects. But we recently heard from a customer that Glee Gum can be the focus of one too!

Kim Y. from California wrote to us about her daughter Kayla’s science project last spring. A big fan of Glee, Kayla was in 6th grade at the time. Her science project was about how Glee Gum gets made, how it is all-natural, and how it is more environmentally friendly than synthetic gum. And wouldn’t ya know, she got an “A.” Hooray!

Kim and Kayla were kind enough to share some pictures of the presentation. Check ‘em out!

Thanks to Kim and Kayla for letting us know that Glee made the grade. If I could sneak just one more rhyme in, I might even say it is cause for a parade!

Ah, springtime. If it ever stops raining here in Rhode Island, maybe we can even go outside and enjoy it!

Around this time in all sorts of climes, some folks give and get Easter baskets. Others plan or participate in Easter egg hunts. If you happen to be a teen in Greencastle, IN, you may be headed to Eggfest ‘10 for a night-time egg hunt at Robe-Ann Park. Glee Gum is among the proud sponsors, so be sure to look inside those hidden plastic eggs for your very own Mini Glee Gum. Yum!

Stuffing your own plastic eggs or Easter baskets with sweet treats? Consider the Mini Glee Variety Pack! Each pack contains 21 Mini Glee Gum packs in an assortment of fun, fruity flavors: Tangerine, Bubblegum, and Triple Berry. Delish!

In the meantime, a question: if April showers bring May flowers, what do March showers bring? Yup, that’s what I thought. MORE SHOWERS! Stay dry, gum chums. And happy spring, regardless!

Glee Gum may have met its match! Check out the fabulous flavors and brilliant branding created by the first grade students of J.A. Allard Elementary School in PA.

The school recently purchased 7 pounds of chicle gum base. As part of an annual Math/ Science Olympics program, the gum base was distributed among the members of the first grade class. The students took the gum base pellets home to make their own unique brands of chewing gum, with the help of their parents. They chose the flavors, the packaging and the names, and then presented the results at school.

What did they come up with? All manner of delicious-ness! Take, just for example, Logan’s Lemon Zinger, Marissa’s Pink Peppermint Passion, Kira’s Blueberry-Mint, and Rhianna’s Red Berry Cherry Twist. Then there were some more mysterious in nature, such as Green Monster Gum and Grape Ape Gum (which featured the snappy slogan “Eat if you dare.”) And they all looked lovely!

Thanks to Principal McElroy for sending these super pictures… and for giving Glee a healthy dose of competition!

Gum chums, I know you are a clever bunch. But I bet sometimes even you are stumped for new ways to express your genius and creativity. Too sleepy to sing another song? Too pooped to write another poem? Too plumb tuckered to paint another masterpiece? Never fear! I have the perfect solution here. How about… crafting?

FaveCrafts.com is a swell site certain to help you ”discover the crafter in you.” It’s got thousands of free project ideas in all areas of crafting, gathered with permission from manufacturers, designers and bloggers. I first learned about the site when it featured an article about Glee Gum and the Make Your Own Candy Kits (hey, what’s not to love?). And I was thrilled to see their Green Crafting section, chock-full of eco-friendly crafting concepts!

Just to give you a sampling, consider Pizza Box Art…

How about a lovely necklace made of bread tags? Charming!

Giving one of your new creations as a gift? Be sure to top it with a beautiful bow made of magazines!

And you’ll love these lists of nifty and novel things you can do with old toothbrushes and sweaters! Say, that puppet looks like an argyle I once knew…

While you’re on the site, you might want to sign up for the newsletter and take a peek at the blog. While you’re at it, check out the latest giveaways, like the chance to win a book about the Japanese art of Temari (thread balls) or a gift basket of products from Earth Safe Finishes.

Hm. My miniature replica of the Taj Mahal, made entirely of chewing gum, is not going so well. I’m going to head over to FaveCrafts for some inspiration. See you there, my crafty comrades!

Howdy do, gum chews!

Do you remember when I told you about the Design for a Living World exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in NY last May? Commissioned by the Nature Conservancy, this innovative show included vases made of chicle by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. Chicle, as you may recall, is my very favorite tree sap; it’s that swell, sticky stuff that gives Glee Gum good chew and helps conserve the rainforest too!

Well, as it happens, Hella’s chicle vases inspired a group of young designers to develop a line of beauty products made from chicle. Who knew all that chicle could do?

WHAT THE HELLA? is the product line that Ingrid Zweifel, Monica Bhatia, Leigh Ann Tucker, and Chelsea Briganti designed. In an effort to find more industrial uses for chicle, and to support the communities of the Yucatan Peninsula where chicle is sustainably harvested, these designers have created products like incense and sapodilla soap and oil. Perhaps most impressive is the chicle wax they developed for hair removal. Check it out!

This weekend, you can vote to get funding for the further development of WHAT THE HELLA? at FEAST (Funding Emerging Art with Sustainable Tactics), a community fundraiser to support new artists. On Saturday, February 6, 2010, FEAST will be held at Church of the Messiah at 129 Russell Street in Brooklyn, NY from 5-8 pm. For $10, guests can enjoy a local dinner, dessert, and unlimited beer – plus vote for one of the proposed projects. Hope you can make it there, New Yorkers! (But, goodness gracious, be careful on the subway after “unlimited” beer!)

To learn more about WHAT THE HELLA?, click here. In the meantime, let me know if you think of any more nifty uses for chicle!