Do you remember the house Dan fixed up for the final challenge on Design Star? The owner's name was Gail. She contacted me the other day to say how great her house is — even four months later — and how great Dan is. I asked if she would answer questions for me, and she did. Gail sent them back in the wee hours of the morning. I hope you'll find it as interesting as I did.

How much time did you actually interact with Dan for the redesign?

We met Dan after he found out he was one of the final two. He interviewed us and then we walked the space. He asked us what colors we do and don't like and what kinds of space we like (i.e., tropical, zen, etc.). We had only met for the equivalent of one half hour and then we had to leave and couldn't return until Sunday. So, we finished at midnight on Wednesday and then they revealed the house to us on Mother's Day Sunday — what a Mother's Day gift!! We only got to see Dan when they taped us seeing the house and then we never got to see him again, but through the magic of Facebook, I was recently able to thank him.

What did you think about the special built-ins and personal touches?

I was blown away by what Dan did to our house. When I walked in the door and saw the picture Dan had blown up of Jackie and me, I knew that this man got us. That picture was in the corner of my living room - almost in hiding - and holds such a special place in my heart. I had so many other pictures throughout the house. The fact that he picked the one that meant the most to me just touched my heart. It was never discussed beforehand; he did that on his own.

Also, it wasn't shown, but in my bedroom, the headboard comes forward to reveal even more storage — going down to the floor.

I love the mirrored cabinet above the fireplace. When I first walked in, I noticed there was no TV in the room anymore. I thought, "Well, that's ok. Look at this beautiful living room." Then when he showed us the TV inside — I was in awe.

I apologize that I couldn't find other words than oh my god, but your head is going a thousand miles a minute and your brain doesn't have time to register everything. Plus, they want all your reactions caught on tape. So everything really is the element of surprise. I really do have other words in my vocabulary!

Did you watch the whole contest unfold week by week?

Yes.

What surprised you most about the show?

First, that Dan didn't win. Secondly, how they edit. They interviewed us for a long time both before we met Dan, when we met Dan and after they revealed the house. All of that only amounted to a few minutes on tape. What was funny is when Dan asked what Jackie and I like to do together. They edited it - I don't dance with her.

The thing that shocked me most was what I just learned recently. I read that Dan's grandfather died the day that he found out he was one of the finalists and he found out just before meeting us. If this is true, he is truly the consummate professional. He was completely charming and warm and just as sweet as he appears on camera. I can't believe how composed he was given the circumstances. It really made me admire him even more.

I was also surprised that Antonio wasn't eliminated after the celebrity challenge. I thought Lonni did a better job and Antonio was going through the motions.

I assume you didn't know the final winner until it was revealed Sunday. Or did you?

From watching the shows, I thought the judges had already made up their minds prior to the final show. I wasn't surprised.

What did you think when Antonio's name was called?

I felt sad that Dan didn't win, but I know that Dan has a long and fruitful career ahead of him. So, I know that he will be a huge success. He is an extremely talented and gifted artist. His talent will not go unnoticed.

What do you think about all the negativity?

It saddens me that people feel the need to express so much negativity. I'm happy for Antonio. As my mother always said, "That's why they created chocolate and vanilla." I think there is room for everyone and I know Antonio will reach a different audience then Dan. I think in the times we live in, we need to focus more on positive energy — it comes back to you tenfold.

Will you watch Antonio's show?

I grew up in New Jersey so I grew up with guys like Antonio. And, as one blogger so eloquently put it, if I wanted to see that kind of a design show, I'd watch the Sopranos. My tastes are more of Dan's design style.

Were you a Design Star fan before HGTV approached you about your home makeover?

I wish I could say yes, but I had never seen it before this season.

Were you hesitant to say "yes?"

I answered a flyer on my door. I ordinarily wouldn't have done that, but I had just attended a program that made me open and more receptive to going out of my comfort zone. So, while at first I thought perhaps it was a hoax, I'm glad I answered it. (Apparently, they had gone door to door, but I wasn't home.)—- I hope it isn't one where they give them a Q-tip and then tell them to try and make a couch out of it. Luckily we got real furniture — lol.

Has the makeover helped you "start that new life?"

I wish I could say everything is bright and rosy. I'm working towards that, but, unfortunately, I am looking for a job (like most of America — at least I'm in good company.) So, if you know of anyone hiring in the Los Angeles area, I'm available!!!

Do you have any other comments or observations that you would like to share?

I wish both Dan and Antonio the best of luck. They are both talented in their own right. I think the thing that was so wonderful is that the judges really did give us two completely different designers. It was fun to watch and so honored that I was a part of it. I really am thankful to HGTV for this wonderful opportunity.