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After a very long hiatus, Varied Lives is back and better than before. Head Writer Phillip Connelly had this to say. “The show will be coming from a fresher perspective. I am adhering to a single vision theory and letting the characters drive the story rather than the plot from now on. The progress of the stories will be in real time, meaning that the show's time line will pick up about one year from when the last episode aired. The show is definitely going to be more sleek, but still maintain the modern edge.” When asked about specifics, the head writer had this to say. Cassandra: “Cassandra is still trying to regain George's trust, as George is still trying to get over the fact that she lied about his father. Cassandra decides to take a new career path, which makes for more tension.” Yvette: “Yvette is running McGregor Inc. now that Anna stepped aside to work on her relationship with Andrew. Yvette's approach to running the company is tough and unwavering, which will be a key element that makes the character a strong lead.” Donahue Family: “Carol wants to take her family's business to the next level, but struggles with a slow moving economy. An unlikely alliance will form and that will take the rivalry with the McGregors to another level. Carol's children will also be involved in some entanglements of their own.” George: “George is still trying to fit in with his new found family, but is still finding it difficult. His business practices may also take a turn, proving that he's more like his mother than he would like to admit. He'll also have to deal with other problems to deal with.” Phelps Family: “Teri will be entangled with George mostly, but a new character will play a part in the story for added tension. The rest of the Phelps Family will be involved in a storyline that is to say the least, very shocking. Dark secrets will come to light and shake up the family.” Other news: The show is now two episodes a week, maybe more if storyline dictates it. The head writer said, "I'm aiming for basic storytelling with very character driven stories, I feel I can better do that with a short week." There have been some recasts. The head writer stated that some roles were recast to coincide with the relaunch. “Some of the casting was never quite how I wanted it, now I am more satisfied. Casting: Phylicia Rashad joins the cast taking over the lead role of matriarch Anna McGregor. Other additions to the cast include Jada Pinkett-Smith as Trish Donahue-Dutcher and Daphne Duplaix as Lynette McGregor. Bow Wow is also joining the cast in the role of Hoover Phelps.

It's sad to see S.T.E.A.M go, but you had a great run and you really made the blog section lively with your stories, which was inspiring. As I'm continuing my show and revamping it a bit, I would like to have you write some scenes for Varied Lives.

I have decided to get Varied Lives back on track. I have to make some adjustments to story because of the long hiatus, but it will still have the same tone.

Glad that you are starting S.T.E.A.M back up again.

Celeste is Sister Patterson sister, good crossover character from the Days canvass. Liked the backstory we got to read about Sister Patterson and her mother. Sister Patterson finding Kevin was very sad, but a strong ending.

George and Cassandra are still shocked at the site of Andrew. Cassandra: This can't be. Andrew: I can't tell you how many times I've heard that since I've been back. George: This makes no sense. Andrew: It's a very long story and we've got a lot to talk about. Cassandra: I need to sit down. Cassandra sits down. Cassandra: I thought you were gone forever, now you're standing at the door. George: This can't be who I think it is. Cassandra: I'd know your father anywhere and that's him. George: It's not possible. We know that he died a long time ago. Andrew: Like I told you, it's a long story, but I am Andrew McGregor. I held you when you were just an infant, I know you couldn't possibly remember. George: I don't know. Cassandra: Let's hear what he has to say. I want to hear exactly why he left, without so much as a word why. Andrew: Now wait a minute, Cassandra. I think we both have some explaining to do to George. He needs the truth from both his parents. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ At the police station, Edmund and Stephen are just coming out of questioning. Edmund: Thanks for coming so quickly. Stephen: I'm glad you caught me, I was just about to go to Chicago on business. It wouldn't have good for you to be questioned without a lawyer. Edmund: I don't get any of this, I never would have thought Christina would have been involved in so many illegal things. Stephen: Sometimes you think you know somebody. Edmund: They think I had something to do with her dealings. Stephen: They didn't accuse you of anything. Edmund: Not in so many words, but it's obvious that I'm implicated. Christina deals in stolen merchandise, I'm in the retail business. Stephen: Stay calm. Edmund: I can't. I just got Troy and Kevin back, what if this causes me to lose them? Stephen: We'll handle this and it will all be fine. Christina and her lawyer come out of the holding area. Christina: Well, I made bail. Edmund: Yeah, I can see that. Christina: I know how upset you must be right now. Edmund: When were you planning on telling me the truth about you? Christina: I never intended to get this involved with you again, but when we started to get closer, I was afraid to say anything. I didn't even think it was going to be a problem, all of that was behind me. Edmund: That's not good enough. Christina: Please, you have got to believe me. Edmund: I can't even look at you right now. Because of you, I'm under a microscope. Christina: I'll make sure you don't get pulled further into this, I already told them you had nothing to do with this. Edmund: Your word is no good with these people. I could be up on charges of haboring a criminal and that is something that Leigh could use as grounds to take my kids from me. Christina: If I could do this all over again, I would have told you everything, I probably wouldn't have even come here. Edmund: It's too late for that now. Edmund leaves. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Leigh and Norm are at her apartment discussing the case. Norm: Just talked to my sources and the plan is done. Leigh: You mean Christina was busted? Norm: Yep, right at Edmund's house. Leigh: The judge surely will see that as an improper environment for children. Norm: I've petitioned the court on those grounds, we can get a hearing soon. Leigh: Finally, I have the upper hand. At least I hope I do. Norm: You do. The fact that the cops hauled Edmund in for questioning is extra security. Leigh: Wait a minute? They hauled Edmund in too? Norm: Is that a problem? Leigh: All I wanted to do was get custody of my kids, I never wanted Edmund to be in any real legal trouble. Norm: Relax, it was just questioning. Leigh: And things like that can lead to even more. I'm starting to think I went to far. Norm: You can't turn back now. Leigh: I've been so caught up in the case, I think I've forgotten this is really about the kids. Norm: It is, you want a chance to raise them yourself. Leigh: Yes, but look at what I've resorted to. I may have gotten their father in real legal trouble. Norm: Trust me, he won't get in trouble. Leigh: I don't want to risk it any further. Norm: It's too late. What's done is done. Leigh: And I'll have to live with the consequences. Norm: Stop worrying. The only thing that is going to happen is what you've wanted to happen and that's full custody of your kids. Leigh: I've never been a saint and never will be, but I do have a conscience and sometimes it speaks to me too late. What have a I done? __________________________________________________________________________ Back at the Athletic Club, Andrew is trying to explain things to George and Cassandra. George: So, you've been alive all these years? Who would have thought it. Andrew: It was a long road to recovery for me. Cassandra: That was you in that car I saw. I'm not crazy after all. George: You seem to love secrets, don't you? You kept your past a secret and on top of that, you kept it a secret you were alive. Andrew: I can tell you've grown into very much your mother's son. George: She was the only one there to raise me, so it makes sense. Cassandra: And I think I did a fine job of that, raising a son without a father isn't easy. Andrew: Don't play that game anymore. I'm sure you've told George a lot of things about me that aren't fair. George: You walked out without giving a thought about me. Andrew: Is that what she told you? George: It's the truth, isn't it? Andrew: No. Your mother and I got a divorce, it turns out it wasn't valid, but nonetheless she knew we were finished. I was supposed to be a part of your life. George: Divorce? Andrew: Of course, she didn't tell you. It seems like her goal was to make me out to be the villain. You mother took you and moved away, I tried to find you, but I never succeeded. Cassandra: The fact remains that you left me to marry someone else and started another family. Andrew: I never forgot about my son, but I did move on with my like and you knew that I intended to do that. And for the record, I didn't get involved with anyone until after the divorce. George: Is all of this true, Mother? Cassandra: Who are you going to believe? Me or the father who hasn't seen you since infancy? George: I know how you can be, sometimes you have your own version of the truth to suit yourself. Cassandra: What does it matter now? You grew up just fine without him. George: I want the truth. Cassandra: All right. After the divorce, I was angry and determined to raise you on my own, so I took off. When you got older and started asking about your father, I was afraid that you would want to go live with him because he become a business tycoon and could give you everything I couldn't, so I told you he left us high and dry. George: All about you, everything is about you. Do you know how terrible it feels to grow up thinking a parent cares nothing about you? Cassandra: I can't make any excuses, what I did was very stupid and selfish. George: I can't figure you out, it's one thing after another with you. I find out you've done one thing and try to let it go and then I found out something else you did. Cassandra: If we can talk this out-- George: I can't deal with this right now, either of you. George goes in the bedroom and closes the door. Cassandra: Never thought I'd ever have to deal with you causing me grief again. Andrew: Take some responsibility here, you didn't have to tell our son those lies. Cassandra: You broke our home in the first place. Andrew: That marriage wasn't going to work, had we stayed together, we would have both been miserable. Cassandra: You didn't want to try. Andrew: I'm not here to talk shoulda, coulda, wouldas with you. Cassandra: The funny thing is, we are still married. That quickie divorce lawyer of yours never filed the paperwork properly. Andrew: I know that and I'm prepared to fix it. Cassandra: You are, are you? Andrew: I certainly am. Cassandra: I suppose you want to make your marriage to the happy homemaker/CEO legit. Andrew: You always did have a sharp tongue, it's gotten even sharper over the years. Cassandra: I adapt over time, in this world you have to. Andrew: I'll have my lawyer contact you soon about the divorce papers. Cassandra: You do that as soon as possible. Cassandra opens the door and Andrew leaves. Cassandra shuts the door behind him and takes a deep breath, realizing her world just got more complicated.

Thanks for reading. Andrew definitely isn't going to have an easy time repairing things with Anna, I'm pacing that story a little slower than others. I'm wrapping up the custody drama soon with somewhat of a twist. Andrew and George's scene in the next episode is a can't miss, it won't be disappointed.

Shady Pines in Miami, reminds me of "The Golden Girls", fun reference. Lots of surprises here. I never would have thought Lynn was DC's wife, but that was a nice twist. The ending was well done and very unexpected, the characters feeling a chilling was nice touch.

Tech difficulties with pictures It's a bright morning and at the McGregor Estate, Anna is reading the newspaper in the kitchen. Andrew comes in the door with doughnuts and coffee. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/393px-John_Amos_with_USCG.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Andrew: Good morning. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/Veronica_Redd.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Anna: Morning. Andrew: I went out and got your favorite muffins, I remembered that after all this time. Anna: Thanks. Andrew: I know it's trivial, but it's my way of saying I never forgot about you. Anna: You know, I still can't bring myself to forgiveness just yet, but honestly I'm glad you are back. Andrew: And even that's more than I really deserve. I know you've got a lot to hash out before you can even think about forgiving me. Anna: Why should I? Andrew: For one, you haven't even listened to my entire part of the story. Anna: I didn't feel it was necessary. You married me while you were still married to another woman and had a child with that woman. Andrew: I married Cassandra when I was young, we were in love and I thought it was right for me. But, after awhile, I learned we didn't really fit with each other and we got a quickie divorce. Anna: So you did divorce Cassandra? Andrew: I found out later it wasn't valid. Anna: You should have told me in the first place. Andrew: You were raised so traditional, I didn't think you'd want a divorced man with a child. Anna: So you just kept it from me. Andrew: I'm sorry, I had fallen for you so hard, I didn't want to ruin it. Anna: What about your other son? How do you explain ignoring your child for all those years? Andrew: After the divorce I thought was valid, Cassandra moved and I could never find her. I looked for them so I could at least try to support him. Anna: Did you ever intend to tell me any of this? Andrew: Many times, but I always pictured you storming out and leaving me. Anna: I wouldn't have done that, I would have valued you telling me the truth. Andrew: We've got so much to hash out. Anna: You've got a lot to hash out yourself, with your children. Edmund is still so full of anger toward you and you still haven't told your other son that you are alive yet. Right now, I think your children should be your first priority. Even though I'm no fan of George's, I do think you owe him an explanation, you are his father after all. Andrew: It won't be easy for me, I have to get my mind clear. Anna: Life isn't easy. Andrew: Truer words were never spoken. Anna: Then why haven't you done anything? Andrew: I feel the pressure even more. I set a deadline for myself everyday and then a keep moving it up. Anna: Seems that you would have learned that putting things off does no good. Andrew: I know, but I've got to do this one step at a time. Anna: When are you going to take that first step though? Andrew: The sooner, the better. Anna: Good. Andrew: I think this is the most you've said to me for weeks. Anna: I haven't really had much to say. Andrew: Accept of course when you had to fill me in on all the drama with our children. Anna: Welcome back to the real world. Andrew: Guess I better get to work trying mend these fences. Anna: More like build them back up. Andrew: Here goes nothing. Andrew leaves. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Leigh anxiously waits for Norm at the CoffeeRoom. She finally sees him come in the front door and toward her. <i>note: The role of Norm Donahue is now being played by Lamman Rucker </i> <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/townsend.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Leigh: Finally. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/oct157.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Norm: Sorry to keep you waiting, but it took a bit of time. Leigh: Did you meet with the feds? Norm: I did. I gave them all of the information I was able to get about Christina and they think they have a case. Leigh: The sooner she's arrested, the sooner I can get the courts to question Edmund's associations. Norm: We don't know if they'll act at all, but I'm hoping there is a good chance they will. Leigh: And they know where to find her? Norm: Yep. Leigh: I wish I knew more. Norm: All they did was thank me for the information and that was it, no further details were disclosed. Leigh: What if this falls through? Norm: Be a little positive, won't you? Leigh: I can't. I tried everything I could to get my kids before, but Edmund and his mother and all their money were all there to block me. Norm: That doesn't sound like the fighting spirit I've heard from you in the past. Leigh: It's just that I'm tired of getting my hopes up and have them dashed. Norm: Hey, think of it like this, for all we know, Christina could be getting busted right now and Edmund being questioned about why he's so close to a criminal like her. Leigh: When you've got money and resources like Edmund, you can avoid anything. Norm: You can only buy yourself out of so much. Leigh: I'm sorry if I sound pessimistic, but I like I said, I can't get my hopes up. Norm: I promised you I'd help you get you kids back and that's what I'm going to do. Leigh: Thank you, I don't know where I would have turned had I not had you. Norm: I care about you, we were close at one time and I hope we can be close again. _______________________________________________________________________________ At Edmund's condo, Edmund is having breakfast with Christina. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/bonnie_138x186.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Christina: You haven't said more than two words since we got here, what's wrong? <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/MfundoMorrisonL2005.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Edmund: Nothing's wrong. Christina: It's about your father, isn't it? Edmund: That has been on my mind a lot. Christina: I can understand that, it's pretty hard to digest. Edmund: My biggest problem is figuring out why he stayed away so long and let his family grieve. I could never do that to my family, ever. Christina: People do the wrong thing sometimes, but some of those times, they should be forgiven. Edmund: You saying I should forgive my Father? Christina: I'm giving you my viewpoint, it's up to you to make the decision. Edmund: I don't know. Part of me is glad to have him back, because the family is back together again. Christina: I know I wish I had a second chance with my father. He died when I was six years old. Edmund: I'm sorry. You never told me that before. Christina: It's not something I like to talk about. Edmund: I'm sure I'm not going to be angry forever, but right now I just can't let go. My brother and sisters have welcomed him back with no problem. Christina: Under the circumstances, there wasn't a right or a wrong way to react, everyone is different. Edmund: I suppose you're right. But, it is a new year and I want to start fresh, leave all the old behind. I'm so glad I can leave that custody suit behind me. Christina: So am I. You're a wonderful father, I can tell by just watching you with the kids. Edmund: And, I'm glad that we found each other again. Hopefully this year, both of us have nowhere but up to go. Christina: I really hope for that too. Thank you for breakfast. Edmund: No problem. Christina: I've got some stuff I need to take care of now, so I gotta get going. I'll see you later though. Edmund: All right. Christina opens the door to leave and a federal agent is on the other side. Agent: Are you Christina Davidson? Christina: I am. Agent: Miss Davidson, you are under arrest for dealing in stolen goods. The agent handcuffs Christina. Edmund: What is going on here? Agent: And, Sir, are you Edmund McGregor? Edmund: Yes, I am. Could you please tell me what is going on? Agent: You'll need to come with us as well, for questioning. Edmund: What for? Agent: We just want to know if you have any information about Miss Davidson's activities. Edmund: Okay, I'll cooperate, but I don't have any idea what's going on. Edmund looks puzzled. ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ At his Athletic Club suite, George is trying to get some work done when he's interrupted by a knock at the door. He answers it and Cassandra is on the other side holding a bag. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/doc3.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> George: You're here early. <img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b99/DrPhillips48/MarjDusayL.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> Cassandra: I wanted to stop by and bring the baby some more things. George: Mother, you've been bring him stuff since you found out about him. You're going to spoil him. Cassandra: This is my first grandchild, you can't blame me for getting a little carried away. Where is he? George: He's sleeping right now. Cassandra: I think it's wonderful how you've rearranged your schedule so you have time to spend with your son. You've got a good paternal instinct. George: Teri and I both have made our schedules flexible so that both of us can spend enough time with him. Cassandra: I'm proud of you, you stepped up to the plate. You know how to be a father despite not having one yourself. George: Mother, I don't want to rehash all of that. Cassandra: Just an observation. George: Should I remind you about the trial you have coming up, partly because you couldn't let go of the past? Cassandra: It just is very hard to let go, it still hurts. George: I know it does and it bothers me too. But having a child now has given me a better outlook, the future is more looking forth too, than rehashing the past. Just then, there is a knock at door. Cassandra: I'll get that. Cassandra answers the door and gasps upon seeing Andrew. George: Mother, what is it? George goes over to the door, he is shocked to see Andrew, the father he had only seen in pictures. This has been Varied Lives. Remember to tune into Point Palace and S.T.E.A.M. Please join us next time for another episode of Varied Lives.

After a very long hiatus, Varied Lives will be returning to SON and SONOP. "November is going to be a good month for Varied Lives and the stories are going to make up for the long hiatus." says the head writer. So what can we expect to see? The head writer didn't drop many hints, other than that some characters that have been on the back burner will be moving to the front. "We'll be seeing some new character interactions, new friendships and of course, new rivalries." And same as last year, Varied Lives will have a Thanksgiving Special that is a can't miss for viewers. Head Writer Phillip Connelly says, "This year, the special is going to be very character driven, but stories will be progressing greatly." Varied Lives returns later on today. Get Ready.

I had a feeling that Mona was going to get off easily, it will be interesting to see what direction she goes in. Thumbs up to the back story with Ashley and the back story with Ria's family, back story is a plus on soaps.

I do have a new series coming up, but I am going to get Varied Lives re-started before I start the new one. I haven't had much time to right the past few months, but I'm working on a new episode of Varied Lives now.

Good edition of Lynn Whitfield to your cast. I'm glad Mona's verdict is going to be in the next episode, I like how the trial moved at a fast pace.

Good episode to start out S.T.E.A.M's return with. I liked how there was a lot of movement with the trial in the beginning, it's going be interesting to see how it plays out.

I would definitely read your episodes, I've missed reading S.T.E.A.M As for my own blog, I was just working on an episode and I'm about to get back into the swing of things. I might get something up to today.

I'm very sorry to hear this and I hope everything works out for you.

It's been a long hiatus for Varied Lives, but the Head Writer says that is about to change. "I haven't had a whole lot of spare time to write, but now that I do, there will be more episodes" said Head Writer Phillip Connelly. As for the storylines, Connelly is just dropping hints. "All I can say is there won't be any disappointments for readers. There are some characters that will be moving to the front burner." In casting news, the role of Norm Donahue has been recast. Lamman Rucker will takeover the role starting in episode 86. The reasoning for the recast given is that the character is being further fleshed out and taking a different direction and a new face was wanted to go along with the changes.

The cliffhanger very surprising and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Good ending twist, I didn't see that paternity change coming, but I really like it.

Very well done scenes with the Williams Family. LaDonna and Alexis' face off was my favorite part.

I'm going to get something new up next week. I just got back to writing episodes and I'm still working out some scenes, but there will definitely be a new ep or two next week.