FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“Wow!” was all DiDi could think of to say walking into Chris Egan’s studio loft-apartment. "Is this YOUR work?"

“Yep.”

“I had no idea… how long have you been hiding all this talent?!”

“Thanks,” said Chris modestly, “actually, I haven’t been doing it very long… at least, I haven’t been taking it seriously for that long.”

“Don’t be humble, girl! Your stuff is incredible!!! And trust me, I don’t blow smoke,” said DiDi.

“Oh, trust me, I know,” said Chris with a wry chuckle.

Chris and DiDi had had their issues over the years, particularly when DiDi had been a criminal defense attorney and Chris was a detective partnered with her husband, Calvin.

Chris had harbored more than a little resentment over DiDi “gettin’ the bad guys off.” While DiDi had entertained a wee bit of jealousy about how much time Chris got to spend with her husband; that the two of them worked on the same side of the law… and that catching the (alleged) bad guys was a lot sexier and a bigger adrenalin rush than getting them out of jail.

Although there had never been any acrimony between Chris and DiDi, their relationship did become more genial once DiDi started working in the DA’s office, but even then she’d thought of Chris as more Calvin’s friend than hers. The two women had not socialized that much over the years, at least not without Calvin.

DiDi’s relationship with Mitzi, however, was another story. Though seemingly an unlikely pairing, Mitzi and DiDi had become fast friends almost immediately upon moving in together. What had been born out of financial necessity had grown into an abiding kinship. DiDi was glad that Cliff and Mitzi had decided to move back to Monticello…and that Chris had made the overture to pursue a relationship with her after Calvin’s death.

A suddenly knock on the door broke DiDi out of her reverie. It was Mitzi.

“Obviously you did more than just go feed the parking meter,” said DiDi, eyeing Mitzi’s parcels.

“I thought a nice, crusty loaf of French bread would go well with Chris’s chicken salad,” said Mitzi. “Then I thought a nice, chilled bottle of Chardonnay would go well with the crusty French bread. Then I thought a nice crisp apple tart would go well with finishing off the Chardonnay… especially if we warm it up and top it with some vanilla ice cream!”

“Perfect,” said Chris, setting her beautifully prepared chicken salad on the table, “let me go get a wine opener.”

“Allow me,” said Mitzi, pulling one out of her purse.

Chris and DiDi burst into laughter.

“What‘s so funny?” questioned Mitzi. “I simply believe in being prepared!”

“Un-hunh…so what else have you got in there?” asked Chris.

“Oh, you’d be surprised,” teased Mitzi.

“Chris, your salad looks almost too beautiful to eat,” said DiDi admiringly.

“Well, I like my food like I like my paintings,” replied Chris thoughtfully, “vibrant and energizing.”

“Sounds like a pretty good recipe for friendship, as well,” said DiDi.

“Hey, I’ll drink to that!” said Mitzi, raising her glass in a toast.

“Here..here!” said Chris, raising her glass, “…to friendship!”

“Yes, right here!” chimed in DiDi, raising her glass, “a toast to an amazing feast for the eyes, for the belly…and most importantly, for the soul.”

“Cheers!” exclaimed the three women in unison.”

“Great…now let’s eat,” said Mitzi, “‘cause I’m starving!”

Despite feeling a few twinges of hunger herself, DiDi couldn’t help but thinking that right at this moment her heart was feeling very, very full.

* * *

CHRIS EGAN’S FESTIVE CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD

1 prepared roasted chicken boned, skinned and cubed

1 stalk celery, diced

2 whole scallions chopped

2 medium granny smith apples - peeled, cored and diced

½ cup golden raisins

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup toasted pecan pieces

¼ cup toasted walnut pieces

½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (or to taste)

3 teaspoons curry powder (or to taste)

1 ½ cups light mayonnaise

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 cup red grapes, halved

1 cup mandarin oranges

½ red pepper, finely julienned

Pick up a prepared broiled chicken from the supermarket and refrigerate for at least an hour. Remove bones and skin. Cube and toss with mayonnaise and curry powder in a large bowl. Fold in celery, onion, raisins, cranberry, pecans and walnuts. Toss apples in lemon juice, sugar, pepper and salt and fold into chicken salad. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate till ready to use. Serve on individual plates of mixed greens tossed with crisp red grapes (halved) and a light vinaigrette. Garnish with mandarin oranges and red pepper

***
Mariann Aalda played DiDi Bannister-Stoner on Edge of Night from 1981 to its final episode on December 28, 1984. She also played Grace Battles on Guiding Light and Lena Hart on Sunset Beach on daytime and starred in the primetime series The Royal Family and First & 10 and recurred or guest-starred on such shows as Designing Women, Grace Under Fire and The Parkers, among others. With a penchant for comedy, she's also done stand-up in clubs across the country and is the co-creator of M.O.I.S.T.! -- the "sex-istential" comedy-with-music celebrating the seasoned woman -- which she co-wrote/produced/performs with Iona Morris (ex-Fiona Griffin, As The World Turns).

OMMMMMM...MY GOODNESS!!!

DiDi could feel her whole body vibrating with the humming sound emanating from the twenty or so people lying on yoga mats in Gavin Wiley’s studio. It was quite an eclectic group: seniors, soccer moms, college students, svelte, zaftig, some so flexible they could practically turn themselves into pretzels and others who could barely touch their knees, much less their toes.

But after 90 minutes of stretching, focusing, and breathing with them, DiDi felt like part of a community again. She no longer felt like a “widow, party-of-one.”

“Wow, that was amazing,” said DiDi, slowly getting up off the floor.

“Yoga-brain,” said Mitzi.

“Hunh?

“It’s that nice infusion of endorphins and serotonin you get from yoga,” said Chris. “Especially right after your first time. It can feel like quite a rush, so be careful getting up. In fact, you might want to sit on one of the benches by the window for a couple minutes before we leave.”

“Good idea,” said DiDi as she folded up her yoga mat, grabbed her towel and walked over to a bench to put on her shoes. Looking out the window over downtown Monticello, she marveled at the changes in the skyline that had happened over the past decade.

One of them was that that the Isis Building was -- even at 30 stories -- no longer the tallest building in town and dominating the Monticello skyline. Curiously, DiDi no longer felt it to be as imposing in her psyche, either. Must be those endorphins kicking in, she thought.

“DiDi, you decided to check out my class!” said Gavin, taking a seat next to her.

“Oh, Gavin, it was fabulous. It was just what I needed…which, until now, I don’t think I even had a clue that I needed it,” said DiDi, giving him a hug.

“Hope this means you’ll be back.”

“Absolutely.”

“Great,” said Gavin. “Then your first three months of classes are on the house.”

“Oh, no, I can’t let you do that!” said DiDi.

“Please, I want to. I’m sorry I had to be out of town for Calvin’s funeral, and…”

“Yes, I got your lovely letter…and the flowers,” said DiDi, “that’s more than enough.”

“DiDi, please, said Gavin, “I hope you’re able to receive this from me… because it will do my heart good to be able to give it to you as a small token of what Calvin meant to this town in his service as Chief of Police.”

“Then I accept,” said DiDi, “Thank you.”

“DiDi, are you ready to go?” said Chris.

“Yep…and I’m starving, too, so I’m ready for this gustatory feast you’ve promised,” said DiDi, teasingly. (Chris had never been known for her culinary arts.)

“Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised,” said Gavin, his eyes twinkling.

DiDi noticed that Chris’s eyes were twinkling, too…and that her cheeks were starting to blush. Hmmm…now that was a surprise, she thought… a nice one.

“All righty, then, let’s go, ’cause I’m starving, too!” said Mitzi, heading for the elevator.
________

Waiting outside the door of Chris’s seventh floor loft while Chris looked for her keys, DiDi thought about what a wonderful day it had been so far…filled with lovely little surprises. Little did she know that the biggest surprise of all was waiting just on the other side of that door…and it wasn’t Chris’s tasty chicken salad.

Click here to see what is awaiting on the other side of the door, courtesy of Chris Egan's alter ego, actress-artist Jennifer Taylor!

***

Mariann Aalda played DiDi Bannister-Stoner on Edge of Night from 1981 to its final episode on December 28, 1984. She also played Grace Battles on Guiding Light and Lena Hart on Sunset Beach on daytime and starred in the primetime series The Royal Family and First & 10 and recurred or guest-starred on such shows as Designing Women, Grace Under Fire and The Parkers, among others. With a penchant for comedy, she's also done stand-up in clubs across the country and is the co-creator of M.O.I.S.T.! -- the "sex-istential" comedy-with-music celebrating the seasoned woman -- which she co-wrote/produced/performs with Iona Morris (ex Fiona Griffin, As The World Turns).

A NEWLY-BRAVE NEW WORLD

Approaching the building that housed Gavin’s new studio, DiDi felt a little shudder. Previously located in an old warehouse, that building had been torn down almost ten years ago as part of Monticello’s urban renaissance implemented by then Mayor Kelly McGrath.

Before departing for the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas, Kelly had done an impressive job during his two terms as Monticello’s mayor. Inventive, creative and always a big supporter of the arts, he had used Chicago as a role model - attempting to emulate what Mayor Dailey had done in beautifying that city by making its Millennium Center and downtown area user-friendly and a cultural hub affordable to all the city's residents.

Monticello was now experiencing a similar rebirth. Empty-nesters looking to downsize and young singles looking for apartments (and a way to help reduce the carbon footprint) where they could walk or ride their bikes to work were flocking to downtown.

Neglected old buildings had gotten a new face-lift with an increased demand for lofts, condos and affordable apartments.

Along with the many new restaurants, parks, trendy art galleries and a thriving theater and music scene, a new vibrancy had visited itself upon Monticello… and the Isis Building was right in the middle of it.

DiDi had forgotten that this was where Gavin Wiley had relocated his studio, but she suddenly recalled having read about it in a newspaper article announcing its opening.

Now, standing in front of the building she balked. “I’m not sure if I can go in.”

Tenderly wrapping her arm around DiDi’s waist, Mitzi insisted, “That’s why you must, honey…I think it’s time.”

“It’s been a while since you and Cliff had your office here and damn near half of Monticello came under the spell of Louis Van Dine in his demented scheme to control the city,” said Chris.

“But half the city wasn’t diagnosed with a nervous breakdown and carted out off to a mental institution in a straight-jacket!” snapped DiDi. “I haven’t been in this building in more than twenty years. Give me one good reason why I would want to go in there now."

“To build up your ‘fearlessness muscle,’ said Chris consolingly. “You have a horrible memory of this place and the best way to get rid of it is to replace it with a new one.”

“Facing that fear will help you face other fears,” said Mitzi.

“Like living without Calvin?” asked Didi.

Chris nodded. “Gavin creates a very nurturing environment in his yoga classes and Mitzi and I will be right here with you.”

Didi was reluctant to face the truth of what Chris and Mitzi were saying, but in her heart, she knew they were right. Louis Van Dine’s evil plot to take over Monticello by pumping subliminal messages into the Isis Building’s offices and via WMON, the city’s local television station, had already cost her enough. She’d lost her passion for practicing law… and she’d almost lost her mind.

Overcome by a sudden infusion of fearlessness, DiDi decided she wasn’t also about to let it cost her spending quality time with two dear friends and an introduction to yoga!

“Okay,” said DiDi, taking a deep breath and linking arms with Chris and Mitza, “let’s do it!”

It took a bit of maneuvering for the three of them to make it through the revolving door without unlinking arms, but somehow they managed it.

“Boy, I can really use that yoga class now,” Mitzi remarked, rubbing her left hip that had been squashed up against the revolving door.

“Afterwards we can come back to my new loft apartment and studio space on the 24^th floor and I’ll put together some lunch for us,” said Chris.

“You live here!?” asked DiDi incredulously.

“Yep,” said Chris, giving DiDi’s hand a squeeze. “Who knows… someday you might even decide to move downtown and we can be neighbors!”

“Yeah, right,” said DiDi, “maybe when hell freezes over.”

“Hmmm…wasn’t that what Louis Van Dine was plotting to do in Monticello?” queried Mitzi mischievously, “ 'cause I don’t think it worked.”

“No, that wasn’t in Monticello, Mitzz...I’m not sure, but I think that happened in Port Charles.” said Chris.

“Yeah, and I don’t think the plot worked there either.” said DiDi, unhesitatingly pushing the button to the 30^th floor.

***

Mariann Aalda played DiDi Bannister-Stoner on Edge of Night from 1981 to its final episode on December 28, 1984. She also played Grace Battles on Guiding Light and Lena Hart on Sunset Beach on daytime and starred in the primetime series The Royal Family and First & 10 and recurred or guest-starred on such shows as Designing Women, Grace Under Fire and The Parkers, among others. With a penchant for comedy, she's also done stand-up in clubs across the country and is the co-creator of M.O.I.S.T.! -- the "sex-istential" comedy-with-music celebrating the seasoned woman -- which she co-wrote/produced/performs with Iona Morris (ex Fiona Griffin, As The World Turns).

NAMASTE

DiDi was having her second cup of coffee when the doorbell rang.

“You’re early!”

“We wanted to help you get ready, first,” said Chris.

“So we brought you something to wear… here!" said Mitzi, shoving a gift bag into her hands.

“Well, thanks… I think,” said DiDi. She was starting to get a little concerned about what she was getting herself into. “But what’s wrong with what I’m wearing? You said to dress casually… am I too under-dressed?”

“You look fine,” said Chris, “but jeans are too restricting… you won’t be able to move in them.”

Now DiDi was wishing she’d never agreed to go along with this at all.

“Don’t be scared, DiDi!” laughed Mitzi at the stricken look on DiDi’s face. “We’re not taking you bungee-jumping or rock climbing or anything… we’re just taking you to a yoga class at the Wiley Dance Studio.”

DiDi had heard that Gavin Wiley had returned to Monticello and re-opened his dance studio earlier that year. She and Calvin had always meant to stop by and say hello… maybe even take a few ballroom classes. Sadly, they’d never made it. DiDi’s eyes got misty at the thought of Calvin holding her in his arms and twirling her around the dance floor.

“Yeah,” said Chris, “Gavin still has ballroom classes at night, but during the day he has yoga and Pilates classes. I’ve been going for a couple months now and I’ve noticed a difference. I feel a lot less stressed and just in a better mood all around. I even lost five pounds!”

“Who’d-a-thunk-it,” cracked Mitzi, “Kick-butt detective Chris Eagan taking a yoga class!”

“Hey, I’m not a detective anymore, remember? I took early retirement to see if I could turn my love for drawing and painting into a career.”

“I know,” said Mitzi, "Cliff and I were shocked to see your gallery on Main Street when we moved back to town. I love your work, though, and I have to admit, it’s nice getting to know your softer side. When we lived here before, I never thought you had one.”

Sweet as she was, tact had never been one of Mitzi’s strong suits. She just blurted out whatever was on her mind. That was one of the things DiDi loved about her… you always knew where you stood with Mitzi. And no matter how painful it was, you could always rely on her to tell you the truth.

“A couple months ago, I might have taken offense at your remark, Mitzz, but since I’ve been going to yoga, I don’t take things so personally anymore… lucky for you.”

“Okay, you two!” DiDi laughed, “Let me go change into my ‘yoga clothes’ so we’re not late for class. What time does it start?”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got time,” said Chris. "Class doesn’t start till 12:30 and I’ve already paid for all three of us to reserve our spots. Gavin teaches this class himself, and it fills up pretty quickly. It's my treat.”

“Gee, that’s really sweet, Chris,” said Mitzi. “I’m really liking this new softer side!”

“You’re more than welcome, Mitzz,” said Chris, “But about that ‘softer side’… I wouldn’t push it.”

“Gotcha!”

“Can I count on you two to play nicely while I change?” asked DiDi, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Of, course!”

“Sure, no problem!”

“Absolutely!”

As DiDi hurried off to change she couldn’t help but think how great it felt to feel her “twinkle” coming back.

***

NAMASTE