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Patch’sYule Blog
Hello, friends. The holidays are upon us. Everyone is busy running around trying not to forget anyone on their list. I for one don’t want to forget to thank all of you wonderful people who have supported me during these past seven months. Your letters, cards, chats and especially your blog comments have been insightful and a constant source of energy and inspiration in my humble work. You remind me that it is a privilege to be able to do what I do. Also, a big thank-you to Gina from NBC publicity, who started this whole blog thing with me and has since moved to New York to take another job in the company. Happy holidays, Gina!
My last blog brought on an unexpected deluge of Tootsie Pops. It was a total surprise when I started receiving box after box of Tootsie Pops. The Tootsie Pops brought on scores of inquiries from my coworkers at the studio. Like this one from our mail dude at work:
Wendy (short for a really long name I can’t spell) came a-sauntering down the hall after the first week of the Great Tootsie Pop Avalanche of 2006 and asked, “Stephen, what’s up with the Tootsie Pops, did you mention you like them or something?” I said, “Uh, something like that.” Wendy said, “Next time ask for steak and maybe lobster.” If I had been smarter I would have come up with an iPod metaphor or one involving high-end video/audio equipment. Someone tipped me off that it was Sherry who organized the whole thing. Thanks, Sherry McCutcheon, for coming up with the silly idea to send them. You Tootsie Pop senders are keeping our makeup room supplied with suckers.
So, speaking of that particular metaphor, how was that chewy chocolate center, anyway? Was it all you had hoped for? I’d like to hear from you. Mary Beth [Evans] and I took those scenes by the horns and wrestled them down as hard as we could.
Coming up: in their newfound bliss, Steve surprises Kayla with tickets to a Clay Aiken concert, but Steve’s reading of the Christmas story at the hospital runs late, so he and Kayla miss the concert. Steve runs into Clay on his way out and talks him into doing a private Christmas concert. There were so many people at the studio who are fans of Clay — the excitement was palpable. Josh Taylor said he was a big fan, and Clay’s best friend and roommate, Christy, is a huge fan of Days, so I asked Josh if he could introduce Christy to the rest of the cast. He was happy to do it. Clay was very gracious, taking photos and signing autographs.
When we got to rehearsal and tape, Clay asked if he needed to stick to the script because he would "never remember the lines.” I told him I had tweaked my lines around a bit and we could just play and not worry about the script. He was happy to improvise with me. In this situation, Clay just being himself worked well and it didn’t have that staid feeling of something scripted. Kudos to our director, Roger Inman, for always being there to get the shots. The song was very sweet and quite apropos for Steve to offer Kayla. All in all, I think the day was a success. (You can see all photos at stephennichols.net.
My friend Denise (see photo), who works up in the production office, runs a holiday toy drive for The Sycamores www.sycamores.org, which is a child- and family-services facility that has been in business for many years, helping children in the organization's residential treatment facilities. They also have foster-care programs and in-home adoption services. Days' actors and staff have purchased lots of toys for the kids this year, and I will be Santa at the studio this week when the kids come to get the gifts.
Renée [Jones] and Rhasaan [Orange]’s last day was Friday. It is always bittersweet (see photos). Renée has been with the show 13 years, so she was understandably emotional. I have to say that the news of her departure sent a shockwave around the studio. It was plain to see that she is loved around there. I hugged them both. I can empathize, believe me.
[Executive producer] Ken [Corday] also made a point of saying, “We had ice cream yesterday.” This puzzled Mary Beth. She said she saw everyone walking around with Baskin Robbin’s cups and wondered what that was about. Ken told her they pass out ice cream when we are No. 1 in the demographics, which we were last week. Mary Beth said, “When this happens, they should do a big announcement over the PA. It would be big morale booster.” Believe me, Mary Beth is the biggest morale booster we have around here. They should let her do the announcement.
Funny story: today, one of our stunt coordinators, Mike Adams, came to me and said he got a call from a fellow stuntman, Alan, inquiring about me. I had worked with Alan this past Friday. Alan asked Mike how well he knew me. Mike said he had worked with me for several years. Mike stunt-coordinated on Days back in the '80s, and I asked him to choreograph the fight scene in my presentation pilot, Wild Horses. Alan went on to say that he thought I was “a bit crazy.” He said, “The guy had a look in his eye that scared me.” It’s true that I go a bit bonkers in the story and I was “acting” a bit crazy on stage, but this Alan dude thought that was the real me. I got the biggest kick out of this. I told our director Albert Alarr and he laughed and said he had just been discussing with another crew member how everyone is afraid to ask me to do another take now, for fear that I will flip out and try to kill them. I said, “Are you kidding? I’m the one who is always begging to do another take!” Man, do we have fun!
I recently heard Gore Vidal say something to the effect that the act of writing is the act of finding out what you think. That is definitely a benefit of this exercise in blogging; I wish I could find more time to do it. Happy holidays, everyone. See you in 2007.
World Peace Out!
The Patch Man
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Dec 20, 2006 12:59 PM
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What a nice Pre-Christmas Present.. thanks for doing a Plog for us before the holiday's.
I'm so looking forward to the next month of shows, sounds from the spoilers that you're going to get a chance to do some dramatic stuff, but to be honest, I've really enjoyed the fun banter between you and Marybeth as Steve returned memory and Kayla.. finally all smiles. The Romantical comment made me laugh out loud, and the bubble bath made us all remember the honeymoon bubble bath.
I'm glad you mentioned Clay.. he's one of my favorites!!!! I Just think that Fate stepped in with him, and he was meant to be where he is now. As with you, it's not always a straight line to your destination, and the journey is hopefully long. I follow His story, as I do yours, enjoying seeing the changes over time.
Hope all your kids are healthy and living out their dreams, that's all that's important in the big picture.
cindy.. cstock
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Dec 20, 2006 1:50 PM
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Hi Stephen,
It was so nice to see your latest blog. I try to check everyday at work for a new post. THANK YOU so much for the scenes of Steve and Kayla. They were so good I loved them. It gave me goosebumps like the ole days. Ya nailed them!!!!!!!!!Seeing ya back on DAYS has brought back something had been missing and I hope that the writers know that. If they don't I will do my part in telling them so. We haven't seen Mary Beth and you smile so big until these last scenes. Anyway, take care and have a great Christmas.
Denise
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Dec 20, 2006 1:51 PM
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I can not tell you how joyous it is for us to FINALLY see the real Steve back on the screen and you brought the real Kayla back too. These last few days with Steve and Kayla are just lighting up the screen.
I won't even go into how many times I have watched the reunion scenes, but suffices to say, I probably could quote you every line. We all know how much you and Mary Beth put into those scenes, it is so clear on screen. It is so good to see both of you smiling again and having a good time. Also,How good was it also to have some fun scenes with Bo and Hope? We all love the scenes with Steve and Bo breaking into Victors house. SOOO old school Days. I love the scenes with all 4 of ya together, it is so fun to watch. You all bring out the best in each other.
I was sorry to hear about Renee Jones being let go, I hope they can bring her back at another time. I think it is weird to let her go at such a crucial time.
Thanks for the holiday cheer that you and Mary Beth bring to us, for that fact the whole Days crew. You all are doing an excellent job.
Hope you have a joyous Holiday.
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Dec 20, 2006 1:52 PM
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What a special way to start the day...reading your holiday plog! Thanks so much. Reading your plogs is so much fun and makes a day brighter... Thanks again for putting in that extra effort to make sure your fans enjoy your work. You're terrific.
I hope you and your family, both at home and at work, have a wonderful holiday.
Carole B.
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Dec 20, 2006 1:58 PM
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We all love reading the plog but like to think that when plogs are few and far between that it's because you are keeping busy and that's good too.
You have no idea, or maybe you do, how much excitement and buzzing is going on about how awesome the storm that follows this calm is going to be.
Which is not to say that we aren't enjoying the calm. The calm is great. The calm has been watched over and over and over again (and probably will be still while the storm is brewing)... and every moment of it has been enjoyed.
And the amount of effort that you and Mary Beth have put into it has not gone unnoticed... the scenes are just bliss and happy and squeetastic...
But right now I'm just going crazy waiting for the storm. Is it good. Are you having fun? Is it as angstalicious as it is in my head? I hope. I really do hope.
I have no doubt in the world that you and Mary Beth will pull it off. You always do.
And as for Christmas with Clay in every interview he has done about it (and there have been many) he has talked about how awesome it was that you were so willing to work around his inability to memorize lines.
Looking forward to that on Christmas Adam (Boxing Day doesn't really work in the states)... and really really really looking forward to the meat of this little storyline.
Studio is dark for the next couple of weeks, right? Have a great time while you are off!
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Dec 20, 2006 2:02 PM
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Hi Stephen. I remember you as Patch with Kayla, and it was the best of the story lines at DOOL, before or since.
No offense to the other performers, but the show just sort of fizzled for me after Patch and Kayla ended.
I didn't know the two of you were back. I might start watching again.
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Dec 20, 2006 2:04 PM
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Hi Stephen, what a great blog! Thank you! I have been loving the recent scenes, it is fantastic to have our Steve back onscreen again.
Can't wait for Boxing Day to see Clay's private concert for Steve and Kayla, I just returned from a trip to NY to see him doing a few of his Symphonic Christmas shows which were wonderful.
(pity Steve and Kayla missed theirs) So glad you enjoyed working with him.
Thanks for the Christmas card! Hope you and all your family have a Very Merry and a great New Year in 2007.
Hope to see you next year,
Keep up the gobsmacking work!
love
Alison W in Canada.
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Dec 20, 2006 2:09 PM
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thank you so much for your plog...it is always such a nice treat. I especially enjoyed the Clay Aiken mentions, sounds like a good time was had by all....can't wait to see the pictures....
love the tootsie pops story, if you have a surplus of the cherry ones...send them my way...hee...
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Dec 20, 2006 2:10 PM
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Oh Boy, I'm among the first to comment on the yule plog. I feel honored! I'll keep it short cause I wrote a half column post last time, about the 'cabin scenes'
How'd you two do? YOU BOTH ROCKED!!! (SEE long post hee hee)
I don't know about an Ipod, but those scenes run in Windows Media Player on a loop with a couple mvids made by the fans from steveandkayla.com CONTINUOUSLY at my house. I love those characters and thank you and Mary Beth for bringing them back.
Gotta give you a shout out for playing Santa for real. I have friends who live in group/treament homes up north and I know how pleased those kids/adults will be to see that Big Red Dude 
Last but not least FINCA, again Sir, you ROCK!!! Micro loans are the Original! 'little that goes a long way'
Steve may be cool but Mr Nichols is MY role model.
World Peace. WORD!!
Happy Holly Days to you and yours.
Cindy
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Dec 20, 2006 2:11 PM
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Happy Holidays to you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to get a new plog posted before the rush hits. Gotta love Sherry. She organizes things so well for all of us. Everyone has loved that chewy chocolate center and can't wait for more. There was never a doubt that you and Mary Beth would deliver hair raising performances. Loved every minute. The bubble bath was a particular favorite for many of us because it was fun and we have missed the fun side of Steve and Kayla. Hope everyone enjoy the tootsie pops as much as we are enjoying the chewy center we received in exchange.
Dawn
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Dec 20, 2006 2:19 PM
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Stephen, what a wonderful Christmas gift you have given us by "plogging" right before the holiday! I personally thank you 10 fold.
It was interesting to read every thing you wrote about. How fun you are playing Santa to those less fortunate. Thank you for that!
The Tootsie Pop avalance sure turned out fun didn't it? I'm so glad I waited for the chewy center, and yes, it was worth every lick and the wait. You and Mary Beth have rocked the screen. I just absolutely love you guys. I'm one of those oldies who watched your love blossom back in the day  so I've been thru alot with you guys
I'm saddened by Renee's leaving the show. I enjoyed her and the character of Lexie. I'm sure it was hard. I always try to live by the rule that one door closes and another opens for us. Hope this will be true for her.
Hope you and your family have a blessed holiday...can't wait for the New Year to see what's in store for us.
Thank you Stephen for being who you are!
Holiday wishes to all the Day's actors/actresses and staff.
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Dec 20, 2006 2:23 PM
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Stephen,
I must say, that chewy choclate center was well worth the wait. It's so good to see Steven Earl back where he belongs, with his Sweetness. You are such an amazing actor.
Be careful with what you say in your plogs. You never know what we SKorks(Steve and Kayla Dorks)at steveandkayla.com will come up with.  We fully expect to see Steve sucking on a tootsie pop someday soon.
What can I say about the scenes in the bungalow. wow,Wow,and WOW!! You and Mary Beth rocked those scenes like no body's business. And may I just say, Mr Nichols, you look mighty fine sans shirt. We need more Shirtless Steve scenes. Those 20-somethings don't have anyhing on you.
We're (im)patiently waiting for Steve to give Kayla yellow roses. That will come in time, I'm sure.
Enjoy your time off with your family. Have a Happy Holiday.
Take care of yourself.
Marcey
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Dec 20, 2006 2:23 PM
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Hi Stephen,
First I want to wish you and your family Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. I wanted to let you know that I have loved everything you and Mary Beth have done. It was so worth the wait. You both brought me back to Days.It is great to have the one and only Steve back. Thank you for all your hard work.I can't wait to see what is coming next. Take care.
Tammie
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Dec 20, 2006 2:26 PM
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Dude, that is some damn fine acting, when you can freak out the crew!
I just realized I haven't posted about how absolutely AMAZING your and MaryBeth's performances were on they December 8th and 11th shows. They were gutwrenching. Incredible.
I'll try to come post more about that later. I had a whole lot of things I wanted to say about it. I'll just say that I showed the Dec 11th episode to people who'd never seen the show and had no investment in the characters at all and you made them cry!
For now I just wanted to say how excited I am to see the Clay Aiken episode (LOVE him!) and how PSYCHED I am about the spoilers about what your character will be going through after the 29th. I cannot WAIT to see what you and Mary Beth do with this. It's going to rock.
Bring on the angst, baby!
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Dec 20, 2006 2:29 PM
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