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July 23, 2007

Crime and Punishment

Hi Everyone!

I’m still all hot and sweaty from building and landscaping our beloved cabin, but I’m taking a break because I need to make a confession…

You should know that I’ve been withholding information from you. Yep. I am deliberately failing to mention loads of Blog Cabin details. Cuff me and lock me up if you must, but do so knowing this: I’m doing it for YOU (yes, all caps.)

I know you’ve been hungry for info. and believe me, starving you hurts me more than it hurts you. But I also know that the story and the glory of the Blog Cabin will unfold with more grandeur and impact if it’s told through the beautifully shot and produced television shows than it would through my measly blogging skills.

You see, I don’t want to spoil anything for you and had I engaged in full-disclosure not only would the tv series be anticlimactic, the whole Blog Cabin experience would only be about 40% of what it could be. And I just can’t do that to you. You know how if you’ve read the book first, the movie is always a little disappointing? Well I’m hoping I’ve spared us that fate.

Here’s the plea bargain:
If you agree not to punish me I will become an informant, a stool pigeon, I will sing like a canary (a canary that’s heavily influenced by Deborah Harry and Joan Jett.) Starting now and during the course of the series I will give you the low-down on all the hot Blog Cabin action. (In front of and behind the scenes.) I’ll answer questions, supply backstory, and basically do whatever I can to make your enjoyment of our show extra rich, super multi-dimensional, and extremely robust. Sound like a deal?

Here’s the first installment:

The new Blog Cabin web area will go live August 2nd. Be sure to check in daily for pictures, information, and new polls.

The Blog Cabin sweepstakes will start August 16th. Go to the Blog Cabin web area and you’ll be able to enter once daily until October 1st. You know you NEED TO HAVE this cabin! Do not let it get away from you!

The Blog Cabin tv series premieres August 16th with 2 back to back episodes Thursday nights at 9 pm and 9:30 pm EST. If you’re not there, you are a *@&#$ square!

Thank you America! Good Night!
Amy

Posted by adevers at July 23, 2007 2:06 PM

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Comments

Hi Amy,

It will be worth the wait...stay cool:)

Posted by: carmen paulson at July 23, 2007 8:56 PM

Amy I will be watching and I will be ready to win. can't wait to see the landscaping the cabin is wonderful.

Posted by: janetbennett at July 23, 2007 11:30 PM

Dear Amy,
Your blogging makes it even more exciting and I can't wait until all this unfolds. Keep it up!
You're good!
Jim Tillery

Posted by: Jim Tillery at July 24, 2007 5:57 AM

Amy~
You know you're killing me don't you...first the long stretches without new pictures...then this tease. I dying to win the blog cabin and this isn't helping!!!!
I'm hot and sweaty too, but I think it my heart racing from the anxiety and the anticipation!

Posted by: Karen at July 24, 2007 9:00 AM

So glad to know there's been a Canary up in a tree in Tennesse watching over the Blog Cabin ready to sing her heart out.
Sing Canary Sing!:)
My questions are: 1.Did you guys put tiered stairs off of the balcony to have access to the backyard?(for safety issues and so you wouldn't have to walk all the way around the house)
2. Someone asked me if the cabin comes furnished.
(I'd just be happy being cuddled up asleep on that window seat.)
Sing birdie sing....:)
This is the best sweepstakes ever!! Thank You DIY!

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 24, 2007 10:17 AM

Greetings Amy !

Anticipation is a sweet delight !

Love from Goldilocks and the Three Lip- Lickin'

Bears :o)

Posted by: Hilary Ireland at July 24, 2007 11:53 AM

Here is the question that has been haunting me for months..........

Who EXACTLY is "Goldilocks and The Three Lip-Lickin' Bears"?

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 24, 2007 12:25 PM

I definately will be watching it!!!

It's been a summer of anticipation, that's fur' shur'!!!

Can someone begin the series with the three bears playing an ol' Banjo in front of the cabin? Please induldge us with the cabin name posted out in the front yard (ex. BLOG CABIN or whatever was decided on).

Watching the build and tuning in to hear some of the bloggers questions answered will be exciting. :)

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 24, 2007 1:03 PM

I was beginning to have BLOG withdrawls! Thank you for the update!

Posted by: survivor contestant/delivery boy/victoria at July 24, 2007 1:53 PM

Amy - You are soooo naughty but in this case naughty is soooo nice!!!!! Even if (and that is an enormous IF) I don't win the cabin I have had so much fun watching, reading, and blogging with you and the crew. The only draw back has been the audio problem with the vlogs which I could never get cleared up. Thank you to all the crew involved from the first nail to the last.

Posted by: sandi, iowa at July 24, 2007 3:25 PM

Hey Amy! I'm placing you under Blog Cabin Arrest and if all our blogging questions aren't answered in a timely manner then you will go to JAIL! So don't bail out on us this time to the Grand Ole Opry or some other grandeur place! Your WANTED everywhere on Blog Cabin! LOL!

Oh! And believe me! I'm not gona be that *@&#$ square! I will be curled up on my bed with my head laying comfortably on my soft pillows watching every episode about Blog Cabin! I'm not answering the phone or holding any conversations with with my other half for at least thirty minutes!

Here's my first question-What lot number is the Blog Cabin located? This has been an unsolved mystery for me! Ya know I've been looking at my map wondering what piece of the rock this Blog Cabin is nestled upon.

Yahoo!!Yippee!! The mystery will soon be solved! Go Amy and collect as much information as you can! And thank you too!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 24, 2007 11:35 PM

Hi Amy, You wrote, "The new Blog Cabin web area will go live Aug.2. Be sure to check in daily for pictures, information, and ."

My question is: What kind of are we having? Please feel free to tell us everything about them. Sing Canary Sing :) Kathy Seals

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 25, 2007 3:53 AM

For some reason part of my post was omitted. How strange.
It is supossed to read.. Be sure to check in daily for pictures, information and new p o l l s.

What kind of new p o l l s are we having?

Maybe that was a trigger word or something.
Sorry about the confusion. Thanks. Kathy Seals

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 25, 2007 4:49 PM

Thanks for the missing word: polls. (p o l l s)

I was wondering what your comment was Kathy.

Posted by: Anonymous at July 26, 2007 3:26 PM

Sing Canary Sing I can't wait to see you caged up in the tv and on the tv series and on the live web pages. Watching the shows will be fun. I look forward to seeing everything come together. And I sure look forward to putting in my chance for the home. This home is located in my favorite place in the world so far. Hopefully you took some of our ideas and ran with them. I look forward to seeing all the outside places to sit and hang out in the mornings and on cooler evenings. I have always enjoyed the porches from the cabin rentals there. And the tubs and fireplaces in cool times. Any way good luck to all of you and may God bless everyone in their own special needs out there.

Posted by: Carrie MIracle at July 26, 2007 4:49 PM

Hi Amy! Here's my second question-I've read that the mountain stream or also called babbling brook is located on the back of the property. What is the distance from the stream to this beautiful hand hewn cabin? How wide is the stream? We know that streams there can be very shallow with lots of water sounds as it gushes against the rocks; however, are there any deep spots to fish? Just another unsolved mystery for us! Or is fishing crime and punishment on any Kinzel Spring property?

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 26, 2007 11:14 PM

Amy
How could we ever hold anything against you????
You have just ramped up our imaginations with your some now, some later info. Come on bloggers! Don't tell me you NEVER, ever peeked at your presents prior to the big day! I only had to do it once to discover that it ruined everything.
I trust that Amy knows just how much to give us without taking the joy of the unknown out of it.
See you on the 16th! (unfortunately; I've always been round!)

Posted by: cristina at July 27, 2007 5:23 AM

You bet your boopy I will be waiting and watching.Time seems to fly so fast as the norm but right now it is not flying fast enough! I just can't hardly wait!!!!!!!! This is worse than waiting on Christmas!!! I'll be seeing you.

Posted by: abumgarner at July 27, 2007 7:32 AM

I have a confession too..
I got tired of waiting for the book, I went on vacation, now im back for the MOVIE.
Sing you little canary.

Posted by: Denise from Florida at July 27, 2007 8:53 AM

Amy~ The more information you supply the better... we promise not to charge you with
"Blog Crimes and Misdemeanors" !!

Posted by: Karen at July 27, 2007 10:20 AM

I just returned from vacation in Townsend and we drove through the Kinzel Springs property. It is breathtaking. Oh how I would love to win the cabin. We rent a cabin in the area almost every summer. This would be a dream come true. Can't wait for the 16th.

Posted by: Kim at July 27, 2007 3:36 PM

Hi Amy! It's me again with question number three!
The fireplace is the type of fireplace I've always dreamed of having-STONE! It's rusticly drop dead gorgeous! BUT, no one in their right mind wants to leave a fireplace whether it's wood, gas, or coals burning while they are away from home. I hope! Therefore, what type of heat has been installed in this beautiful hand hewn cabin? Gas heat, electric heat, heat pump or radiant floor heat?

By the way, whoever laid those floors with the accenting borders has done some beautifull work from what I could see in the pictures!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 27, 2007 11:33 PM

hi amy, so glad to get a new blog! i check on you almost daily and can't wait for any bit of news that comes out! thank you so much and ABSOLUTELY!!! i will be watching that show!!
brenda

Posted by: Brenda at July 27, 2007 11:59 PM

Hey Amy & DIY Team~
The blog cabin is so awesome. The roof is stunning. I love the window seats in the bedrooms and the border in the wood floor is amazing. If I could have requested a border I would have that's how much I love it!
The double sink in the kitchen and the beautiful island and cabinets...wow! I'm cookin' up some ideas for that room already!
The woodwork oh my gloryosity, the woodwork! It's exquisite!
Love the screened in porch.
Thanks for the great pictures Amy. You did good as our informant!!

Posted by: Karen at July 28, 2007 11:28 AM

Hey Amy! I'm back! With a fourth question! During the month of June we bloggers were brainstorming for a name for this beautiful hand hewn "Blog Cabin Retreat". And we noticed the very artistic wewela (meaning hummingbird in the Cherokee language). Who painted this beautiful hummingbird? Was it the lady who resides there in Kinzel Springs? In any direction, we can hardly wait for this mystery to be solved too!

And also will this beautiful hand hewn cabin we now call the Blog Cabin be called the "Wewela Lodge"?

Yippe! Counting the days until the DIY Blog Cabin Series-NINETEEN!!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 28, 2007 11:57 AM

Hi There,
I am so anxious for August 2nd and 16th to get here. I feel like a kid at Christmas time. My husband laughs at me for being such a dreamer but I tell him there are a lot of us who are dreamers and dreams do come true sometimes. In May I was in Tennessee and stopped by Kinzel Springs and it was so beautiful and peaceful there. If, I happen to be the winner the first thing I will do is look for a wood carver to make a sign that says "Welcome To Serenity" and have him carve a couple of butterfies and hummingbirds on it. We will be going to Tennessee in September to visit our best friends so I will check out Kinzel Springs again. Good luck to everyone and someone's dream will be coming true soon.

Posted by: Marcy at July 28, 2007 1:21 PM

Amy~
Do I see two different types of tile being used in the bathroom? One around the tub and one for the shower?

Posted by: Karen at July 29, 2007 8:11 AM

Hi Amy! I'm just relaxing and thinking about this beautiful hand hewn cabin on this beautiful Sunday afternoon! But this time I have several small questions!

I've read all the benefits of kiln-dried wood on Log Homes of the Smokies web site and also learned that it is recommened to wait one year for the staining and finishing work. Does this include the exterior and interior walls?

Is the high foundation facing the back of the property of this cabin accessible for a garage, workshop, or basement? Or is it strictly a foundation. I seen where some of the Log Homes of the Smokies had windows and doors making them accessible for whatever purpose I'm not sure.

And the bark siding really adds to the rustic appearance! I love it! Was the bark siding specially ordered, hand made, or also material that Log Homes of the Smokies supplies. I didn't notice any other cabins of Log Home of the Smokies with bark siding, but I might be wrong.

Did you do all the landscaping there? Or did one of the DIY celebrities help with the landscaping too? Did you have to bring in any sod or was grass seed planted?

Do you think in the slideshow on August 2nd that we could get a peek at the blanket bench?

Also, could we get a peek at the driveway. We are curious if it is gravel, flagstone, clay, concrete, or paved with tar.

Knowing that driveways in the heart of a mountain can be very steep...what is the percentage of the incline going up to the cabin?

Well Amy, I think I have run out of questions to ask. The Blog Cabin Retreat is already beautiful with or without furniture and appliances! What more could we bloggers ask for? NOTHING! Everything looks so fantastic! EVERYTHING! Everything that I could see...and will wait patiently to see the outdoor patio with fireplace!

As always we'll be staying tuned in to the DIY channel and DIY network!!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 29, 2007 4:25 PM

Hi Amy! I have one more question (I think!)

I know the 54,125 folks out there who voted for the whirlpool tub are excited to see one installed in the cabin. AND! I'm sure the other 221,379 folks who voted for the walk-in shower are glad to see the whirlpool bathtub installed in addition to the modern slate walk-in shower!!

So here's my question-Is the modern slate walk-in shower located downstairs in the master bedroom and the whirlpool bath located upstairs? Or is the whirlpool bath located downstairs and the modern walk-in shower located upstairs? Or are they both located in one central bathroom?

Just another curious unsolved mystery!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 29, 2007 4:42 PM

Oh Amy! I have a better understanding of staining and finishing kiln-dried wood now! It can be done right after construction is completed, but it's air dried wood that is recommended one year before staining and finishing! I guess it cleared things up to put on my bi-focals!

Posted by: Jacqueline at July 29, 2007 8:52 PM

I'm hoping to learn how economical this home can be for the upcoming occupants. There were several discussions about eco-friendly products being incorporated in the home. I'm patiently waiting to see what ideas were put to use.

Kinzel formerly won a beautification award and I'd love to see additional pictures of the area. Perhaps, a vlog could be made on 8-2 that would incorporate Amy driving in her van (Vanna), down one of the following roads:
Sunshine Way
Mt. John Loop Road
Tanasi Trail
Nantahala Drive
Long Branch Road
Kinzel Springs Way
Chetola Trail

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 30, 2007 8:13 AM

Sunday evening, first time I saw a TV commercial on HGTV advertising the Blog Cabin! I got totally excited over it and was hoping they would show it again. Looking forward to Aug.2nd to watch the online tour of the cabin. It's almost here!Hurray!

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 30, 2007 8:18 AM

I'm sure official rules will accompany the upcoming Blog Cabin sweepstakes (heee heee heee). :)

Will the winner be posted on Scripps Network, Inc. sites, be on the cabin series, or on the upcoming Blog Cabin website?

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 30, 2007 8:21 AM

Will this cabin have a HydroHeat Woodstove? My family enjoys playing games in the evening and would really enjoy doing so by a woodstove.

Posted by: Anonymous at July 30, 2007 10:03 AM

Will you be uncovering all the hidden clues (from voting) and unraveling some of Blog Cabin's mysteries?

Posted by: Anonymous at July 30, 2007 10:09 AM


Please show us pictures of any water features that may exist inside or outside of the home! :)
I am crossing my fingers in hopes of this cabin having a water feature with falling water! :)

I hope nature has crawled through the Cabin and has graced it with a touch of wilderness.

Here is another name for the cabin:
The DIY Rusticy Wilderness Blog Cabin

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 30, 2007 10:33 AM

Looks like it's going to be beautiful, inside and out! I have to keep up through the website, because [sniff,sniff,real tears :( ] I can't get DIY on TV. Will the TV special in August be on just DIY, or also on HGTV? Either way, my computer will be locked on DIY the whole month of August!

Posted by: christa at July 30, 2007 10:15 PM

Hmmm, sure has been quiet, Maybe the canary needs some singing lessons:)

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 31, 2007 8:06 AM

Hi Amy and all bloggers,
I'm really bummed out because I will no longer be able to get HGTV, etc. on my cable television. That means I will miss out on all the shows regarding the blog cabin! Please post as much as you can on the computer so that I won't miss a thing... On the other hand, perhaps my computer will carry your shows? Stay cool, sit on that front porch, make lemonade, and most of all give yourself and your staff a well deserved pat on the back.

Posted by: Anne at July 31, 2007 2:46 PM

Amy,

I took a look at episodes DBLG-101, 102, 103 and 104. It really peaked my interest to know that the first episode will include a visit to the mill. I also noticed that eco-friendly insulation was used on the home. :)

I can't wait to see what the local artisans made!

Posted by: VICTORIA at July 31, 2007 6:53 PM

I feel bad for those of you that are unable to get DIY on TV. This is just a thought... Perhaps you can find a friend, relative, or neighbor that has DIY on their TV. If they don't know about the Blog Cabin, tell them and get them all excited about it,bring them up to date. See if you can make it a weekly gathering to watch the show with them. Pop some popcorn, bring their favorite pop. Invite more friends and make it a DIY Blog Cabin night. I just know how I would feel if I was unable to see it after all this time. I happen to be so thankful my sister was kind enough to drop HBO so we could get DIY. What a sister! Good luck to all.

Posted by: Kathy Seals at July 31, 2007 7:13 PM

Hi Amy,
We were just in the Smokies and yes, we did look up the cabin!!! That is one steep driveway. We didn't go down as the guys were hard at work. We couldn't tell a lot about the cabin as the view is mostly roof from where we were standing, but I am excited to see it. I thought there was going to be a view, but it looks like it will be wooded. That's ok with me, I'll take it.

I have been wracking my brain for the perfect name, but it hasn't come to me yet. This needs to be something extra special.

We have been staying in the Smokies for 25 years now and to live there would be a dream come true.

I can't wait for the TV show.

I know you can't wait to show it off either.

I have an idea for a name if it were mine. I would call it "Rosebud Ridge" after my late Boxer pups, Jesse Rose and Jake (Bud). Jake was named Jacob Cade Leconte after of course, Mt. Leconte and Cades Cove.

Take Care,
See you on DIY

Posted by: Tina at July 31, 2007 7:39 PM

YEAH! The Blog Cabin Web Area starts LIVE tommorrow!!

Thanks Victoria for bringing this to our attention! I looked at DBLG 101-110 by typing it in the seach bar within the DIY Network page!

Posted by: Jacqueline at August 1, 2007 6:49 PM

Can't wait to see what has been developed of the cabin! Just think - Christmas in the Smokies :) Ahh.. the mountain breeze, the birds, the animals, it makes me feel better already.

Anticipation was definitely the way to go!

Posted by: Tiffany Kohler at August 1, 2007 9:53 PM

Jacqueline,

Your Welcome! :)

A full picture of the cabin is also located on the home page. You can also sign up to be part of the BLOG CABIN GROUP. :)

Us Bloggers can meet there on August 16th and discuss the program together!!!

Posted by: VICTORIA at August 2, 2007 8:47 AM

I love the Mountians ever since I saw them 40 years ago..
The cabin should be called "W-ha- la" Cherokee for beautiful place...
I can picture my self & husband there on the back deck enjoying all the mountians have to offer..
just maybe sharing it with a few friends,,,
You all did a great job, as it fits in so great with the surounding area..
thanks........

Posted by: Rose Cranston at August 18, 2007 1:09 PM

The cabin is so beautiful and I would love to live in the mountains (imagine my 3 kids seeing snow for the first time). In florida all we get is 100 degree temps year round, shorts on Christmas and the beach. (I know you can't feel too bad for me, to many this is a dream, but I would love to be able to watch the seasons change and stand in awe at God's wonderful creation.)
You DIY folks are amazing!

Posted by: Colleen from Florida at August 30, 2007 12:16 AM

Hi Amy,

I just put in my two weeks notice at work and I am ready to move back to Tennessee. My husband is more of a log cabin type than I am ...he would love to live there year round. A few questions please....just how remote is this cabin? I am a little concerned about being lonely. This cabin is very pretty with lots of great features, I really think you put extra love and comfort into it. Tell me, how did you like Italy?

Posted by: DonnaDean at September 1, 2007 12:19 PM

Cool...

Posted by: Anonymous at September 2, 2007 4:49 PM

Hi Amy,

I really love watching the show. You are the perfect host and a true pleasure to watch. Amy you Rock!

I am looking forward to meeting you when I win the Blog Cabin!

Posted by: Stanley Fortune at September 7, 2007 7:51 PM

hi Amy,

I love the Blog Cabin, but who doesn't....It's perfect! I took one look at it on-line and said to my husband you gotta see this place it's definitely us written all over it and we are watching it being built on television....My husband's dream has always been to live in a Log Cabin....we both work real hard, but can't afford to buy a home. We are renting a lovely townehouse though, but more modern than cozy cottage. Home is where your heart is so we hang our hearts where we walk in the front door and where our children are, but we sure would love to hang our hearts and coats in that Log Cabin one day. We have three daughters, who would be tickled if we won, since they know also that we could not afford to buy our own home. Love the rounded staircase and the stenciling. I could definitely see ourselves sitting around the fireplace telling the story to our children and grandchildren how lucky we were to have won this vacation home and celebrating our first Thanksgiving with pumpkin soup simmering on the stove and our family traditional dinner Log Cabin Maple Ham with glazed holidy carrots and red potato salad with sour cream and dill and finished with Rocky Road Brownies, and yes Amy you are invited for dinner if we win this beautiful home.
Linda, Bruce, Amy, Laura & Amanda Parker

Posted by: Linda Parker at September 9, 2007 4:56 PM

Hi Amy!
The cabin is beautiful! I can see my husband and I rocking on that great porch. I am crossing my fingers that we will be the "WINNERS". I have one question about the outside area around the house. From what I can tell, the land slopes towards the house. What precautions have been taken, to make sure that during a driving rain storm, the run-off will not head towards the front porch of the house.
Thank you,
Donna

Posted by: Donna at September 15, 2007 12:57 AM

That is one relaxing looking cabin! I can see us retiring there and having our sons come with their family. A quick trip to Gatlinburg, what an enjoyable vacation all year round. the kitchen reminds me of mine as I have red appliances also and black refrigerator etc. Love it!
I can see our name written on a plaque in the front!

Posted by: Susan at September 15, 2007 6:34 PM

I've been looking and watching everything I can find on the blog cabin but for the life of me I can't find a layout of the land. It would be great to see the orientation of the house to the land and just where is this steep driveway that you got stuck on while leaving - you wrote that you got stuck leaving while you were driving UP the driveway??? Confusing.. I would have thought to leave you'd be driving down and wouldn't have a problem.

I've see the finished photo of the front of the house (it's my wallpaper) and I see a parking pad on one side but a really open area on the other side of the house. Which side or is it both that has the driveway?

Thanks so much for helping all of us with out many questions. I know you'll do what you can so I can't expect to see them all including mine answered... but maybe next year you can include more floor plans and land/house layouts.

Posted by: Kathy G. - NC at September 15, 2007 9:45 PM

Interesting...

Posted by: Anonymous at September 17, 2007 8:42 PM