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« Patch's Days Blog
BIRTHDAY PLOG OR 20,440 DAYS
I know, the Patch Blog is way overdue. Sorry, I’ve been busier than an actor on a soap opera. Hey, I am one! Yes, I had this week off from the show, but there is always something to be done around the house and it was my birthday this week. Excuses!
Included in the enormous box of gifts my wonderful fan friends sent me were many sweet birthday wishes in the form of notebooks filled with poems, thoughts, assorted birthday remembrances. Included was a "Birthday Chronicle." I know you’ve seen them, looks like a one-sheet newspaper. Anyway, there is a section that mentions the days you… I have been alive. Man, I never stopped to figure that out… 20,440. Does that seem like a lot or a little? I turned to my wife and remarked how we don’t get very many days. Another wakeup call to make the most of the ones we do get. So thanks, everyone, for the incredible birthday. I love you guys a lot. (See photos at stephennichols.net.)
Man, do I love the babies. Mary Beth Evans (my beautiful costar on Days of our Lives) and I went to South Florida a couple of weekends ago. A little town called Fort Myers. We were there to promote the opening of the Miramar Outlets Phase Five. This was Super Bowl weekend, no less, but we had plenty of people in the old autograph line and lots of fun holding lots of babies! (See photos at stephennichols.net)
We worked hard all week and had done two shows on Friday (17 scenes total), then we got on a red-eye with a stop in Atlanta. I don’t know about you, but I can’t sleep on airplanes, especially when the seat doesn’t recline. We arrived in Fort Myers at 9 am and had an hour to “freshen up” before we started meeting and greeting. Mary Beth had no hair spray (they took it from her in Los Angeles, a big, brand-new can). This is where I have to give thanks for Mary Beth again. She is so cheerful and willing to see the bright side of life. She keeps me in good spirits without even trying. And it didn’t hurt that she did, in fact, get some sleep on the plane.
So many fans of the show are glad to have us back. It was so nice to meet them and hear their stories about how long they had been watching. A lot of them said, “Since day one.” Mary Beth wants to keep a tally of these “Day One Fans.” If you fit the profile, let us know.
You may have seen the day James Scott and I flew through the window. It was a big to-do. That’s all I’m gonna say, and there are a couple of photos for your perusal.
TVGuide.com asked me to talk a bit about playing those scenes where Patch is being brainwashed and having those seizure attacks, so I will. Just last week, Phil Calvi, one of our great prop guys who has been there 30 years or so, asked me about playing that stuff. He asked if it was strange to play something like that… something that you never experienced before. Here’s what I told him: I found out everything I could about electroshock treatments and realized that in the script, they had me screaming and actually speaking during it. It is impossible to make any sound when that much electricity is coursing through the body. I asked for a bite guard and Mary Cares (another amazing prop mistress) went out that first day and got two from a medical-supply shop. When they turned up the juice, I tensed as much as I could without giving myself an aneurism and took the pretend electrocution ride. Yeehawww!
When Steve started to have the headaches and hear the sound in his head — that sound was supposed to be the sound of feet clanging on the metal table while being shocked. Steve couldn’t place it, but it harkened back to the torture sessions and caused him intense headaches. As for the seizures and fainting, I played it as if Steve was really back there but when he came out of it, he didn’t remember much. The first real memory of torture he had was when he remembered E.J. being in the room and the words he said, “You’re one of us now.” Steve had remembered this under hypnosis but withheld it from Kayla.
Upcoming teasers: Three women take Steve down! A little mace, a lot of rope and a hypo! Oh, my!
Love,
The Patchman
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Feb 27, 2007 6:58 PM
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Thanks so much for the new plog, I am glad you had a nice birthday. Mine was on Friday the 23rd and my parents got me the best present ever, two tickets to go see the best actress and actor on TV, you and Mary Beth in June. I was so excited, now June can not come fast enough. I was sorry I missed you all in FL, but I am looking forward to seeing you all in June.
I just have to say that you and Mary Beth both just have been hitting it out of the park these last few weeks that I don't even know how to put it into words. PLEASE tell Mary Beth that she was just fantastic during the whole "strangling, I'm leaving scenes". I am sure she has heard it from everybody else, but she was. And you both played it so perfectly. We could not ask for better scenes than we got from you all those three days. Just WOW. Thanks for your take on the whole Steve going crazy scenes, I have been enjoying them.
I love your upcoming teasers, that sounds like it could be interesting. can't wait to see what happens.
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Feb 27, 2007 7:26 PM
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Stephen,
I am glad yuu enjoyed the gifts. I have seen the pics of you and Mary Beth in Florida and all I can say is wow and it's too bad that I don't live there.
I am laughing about Mary Beth and her hair spray. I have heard they have become real strict on things you can bring on an airplane. Blame that on 9/11. Kudos to Mary Beth for being able to sleep on an airplane. I don't think I could. My beef with airplanes is everytime I have ever eaten on a plane is the food is always cold.
Yeah the scene with you and James and a window it is a shame the editors couldn't add more to that fight scene. I will be looking at the pictures.
3 women take Steve down huh? I can't wait to see this if I had to guess my guess would be Kayla, Hope and Marlena. It should be interesting. What an intervention this is going to be! lol I know Kayla will do anything to save Steve glad to know she will be getting help from friends. Or as I said that is my guess. The poor dude can't make these decisions himself thanks to that rotten EJ so drastic measures must be taken.
Take care,
Sara
--
Edited by SnKTrueLove at {1}
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Feb 27, 2007 7:32 PM
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Upcoming teasers: Three women take Steve down! A little mace, a lot of rope and a hypo! Oh, my!
This line scares me and excites me at the same time. I am sooooo loving everything you are doing with this storyline. In the hands of less talented actors than you, Mary Beth, and James Scott this storyline would come off as totally outlandish, but somehow you all make it work. I'm on the edge of my seat and may be hiding under bed before this is all through.
I'm glad you liked your birthday gifts. We wanted to show you how much we admire and respect you and what better way to do that than to spoil you on your birthday. 
I hope you enjoyed your time off and managed to spend some time with your family. I know you didn't like the pictures of you opening your gifts, but I must say, you looked mighty fine in the one you shared with us.
Several of my online friends made the trip to see you and MB in Florida. They all had a wonderful time meeting the two of you and gladly shared their experience with those of us who couldn't make the trip. On their behalf, allow me to thank you for flying across country in the middle of the night for that appearance. You're the bestest
Until next time...
Take care and Be Happy.
MJ
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Feb 27, 2007 7:37 PM
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A Day One Fan checking in!
Stephen,
You and Mary Beth are wonderful. I am so happy that you are back on Days. You are the reason I returned to Days. I was a fan from the first moment.
The recent scenes you have done have left viewers speechless! You and Mary Beth give captivating performances day after day and all we can do is say thank you!!!1
I am making the LA trip in June and cannot wait until the luncheon. There will be many of the Day One Fans there for sure!
Again, thank you for all the hard work and talent you give us.
A fan from day one and going strong!
Colleen
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Feb 27, 2007 7:57 PM
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Dear Stephen,
Thank you for the new plog. We've missed hearing from you! It was great to see you in FL. I had a blast! I know you and Mary Beth were so tired, but you took your time with every fan and were so caring and wonderful. You guys are the best!! I hope that message came across in your birthday gifts!!
The work you have been doing the last few days has been amazing. Just when I think you can't get any better, you do. Over the weekend, I was watching some old GH tapes, and seeing the difference between "Stefan" and "Steve" really confirmed for me how truly gifted you are. Thanks for sharing your talent and hard work with us.
I'm heading off to the web site to look at the photos, I'm anxiously waiting for Steve's story to take off a little faster. But I think that's going to happpen based on what you just told us.
Be Happy,
God Bless You,
Lisa E.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Feb 27, 2007 8:11 PM
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I am a day one fan. In fact, I have watched days from the first day it aired. I know that dates me! When I first saw you and Mary Beth, I knew I was in for something very special. I knew that the two of you must care for each other because it comes through on the screen. I am once again enjoying the two of you as Steve and Kayla. The two of you really make the characters come alive and we feel your pain and sorrow. We root for the two of you and know your love will win.
Donna
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Feb 27, 2007 8:13 PM
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Stephen,
I am so happy that you had a wonderful birthday.
I have to say that you and Mary Beth have totaly blown me away. I cried for 4 days straight after watching Steve walk out on Kayla.I haven't cried like that since Steve's'"death". I cried for a week on that one.
I am so happy that you and Mary Beth returned to Days.I would have never returned if it wasn't for you two.
I am so looking forward to meeting you and MAry Beth in JUne.I and many of my online friends are counting down the days.
UMmm the 3 women taking Steve down is going to be exciting.Looking forward to it.
Take care.
Tammie
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Feb 27, 2007 8:15 PM
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Stephen
Glad you liked your gifts and had a great B'day. I too, have been a fan since day one of the show. Really dating myself. Actually just knee high to a grasshopper, Yeah, that's it.
Anyway am looking forward to you being manhandled by the women, 3 no less, hummm. Lucky them.
enjoyed seeing all the pictures from your FL. visit. Would loved to have been able to go there. Little too far for me. Hopefully ya'll will be somewhere closer to where I live someday. Until then I will have to be satisfied with watching you on DOOL. You and Mary Beth are so fantastic together and we never hear either of you ever say a bad thing about anyone. Your are both so gracious. Love the way you write and can't wait for your next plog.
Oh, yeah, one more thing. Hopefully one of the women is not the one who shall be nameless. Sorry Had to say that
"YR"
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Feb 27, 2007 8:50 PM
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Stephen,
It's great to hear that you had a good birthday and it's nice to see another Plog. I really like the way the show is going.
I liked all the photos and the stories from the personal appearance in FL. I was disappointed I couldn't make it down, but I am really looking forward to June.
Taken down by three women? Can we guess who those three are?
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Feb 27, 2007 8:53 PM
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I am so happy that you had a great birthday!!! It is always nice to take time out to enjoy your birthday even with a list of things to do around the house. I hope you enjoyed your week off.
I wish I could say I was a Day one fan. I picked up the storyline after Steve and Kayla got married but fell in love with the couple and I don't think I was more ecstatic that when I found out that you and Mary Beth were returning to Days last year.
Can't wait to see 3 women take you down. I have absolutly loved watching you and Mary Beth the last two weeks. Both of you have been magnificent. The scenes have been powerful and emotional and both of you have done a wonderful job of bringing it home for us fans!! Thanks for all that you do cause we love to see it!!!
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Feb 27, 2007 8:55 PM
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Happy Birthday! So glad you had a great day!!!
Thank you and Mary Beth sooooo much for working so hard - you both are an absolute joy to watch in everything you do! Last week was AMAZING! Mary Beth just knocked it outta this world with the Steve-leaves-Kayla scenes! Absolutely chilling and heartwrenching! You're both totally rocking Days, front and center, exactly where you both belong!
And thanks for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to blog! Love the wonderful little stories!
I absolutely *adore* Mary Beth! Cheerful, bright, brilliant - you can tell she's always radiating positive energy!
(Heee, I love my hairspray, too - actually I don't think I could manage without it, LOL)
LOVED the Florida event photos - seeing them was almost, almost like being there! You and Mary Beth are total naturals with babies and kids!
When Steve and Kayla had baby Stephanie, there was nothing sweeter than the S&K 'Little Sweetness' scenes!
Would absolutely loooooooveeeee to see that (this time with a baby *Little Dude*!) for Steve & Kayla again.........heehee
Love and best wishes,
Amy Kay
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Feb 27, 2007 9:04 PM
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Another Day ONE fan here!
From the closet scene in Cleveland in '86... to the the Great Kidney Heist of 07, you and Mary Beth have kept me riveted to my screen!...It's my ONLY must-see-TV...
Waiting for the Day Steve and Kayla kick EJ's....![]<img border=](http://community.tvguide.com/images/emoticons/devil.gif) ">
Much Love,
Lory
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Feb 27, 2007 9:15 PM
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Stephen,
Thank you for the new plog...we SKORKS have been waiting a long time for it. I hope you had a great birthday. Mine was on February 13, many happy returns from a fellow Aquarian.
You can add me to the list of Day-One-Fans. I watched Steve & Kayla in the 80's, from Steve's first day in Salem, till the day Kayla left carrying Stephanie. I came back to DOOL when ya'll did and WWWHHHEEEWWW WHAT A RIDE!!!! I love the storyline so far. You and Mary Beth knock it out of the park on a daily basis. I am so glad that ya'll finally have something to sink your teeth into and show what great actors can do.
Thanks again for all that you do.
LONG LIVE SWEETNESS AND THE PATCHMAN!!!
Kristi
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Feb 27, 2007 9:16 PM
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Hi Stephen!
Happy belated birthday! I hope you celebrate many many many more. 
Who doesn't love babies?
As for your "Day One Fans", add two: my mom and grandmother.
You and Mary Beth continue to amaze me in every scene- y'all are so much fun to watch!
Emily
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Feb 27, 2007 9:20 PM
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