Pilar's Place

of all the people who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Ten years later, I have learned to let go of the pain...to remember the good...to  live...to laugh...to get on with me life. Just a few faces of some from the FDNY who were dear to me, others just acquaintances. I shared a meal with each of them and they all left a lasting impression on me. Betsy Martinez Captain Patrick Brown Capt. Terry Hatton (on right) Father Mychal Judge    Lt. Billy Burke Firefighter Chris Blackwell (3rd from left) Lt. Timmy Higgins Lt. Pete Martin (on right) Lt. Timmy Stackpole Firefighter Angel Juarbe Rest in peace dear ones...you will never be forgotten.

Last week I had the pleasure of watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 in the movie theater. I was enthralled with watching Harry move forward with his task of destroying Lord Voldemort. I was on a cinematic journey, which unfortunately came to end that day as the story came to an end. I have watched every Harry Potter film and taken the journey with him through his childhood, life at Hogwarts with his friends and the task at hand for him. However much I enjoyed the cinematic journey of those 8 films, I wouldn't have been able to do it without JK Rowling, the author of the books. Her storytelling took me on a journey in my mind. A journey that lasted for 7 books. I find that I enjoy going on literary journeys and have been doing so for quite some time. My first literary journey was with Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat. I was able to journey with him to Europe and New Orleans. I met David Talbot, Louis and Marius to name a few. I took a journey with Edward and B

Many, many years ago when I graduated from college, I swore that I was done with school and would never go back. School was always a chore for me and never interesting. I never thought I would go to college. This was mostly due to financial reasons. However, I got accepted into the local city university and had the first 2 yrs of my tuition paid for. My grades were all over the place. Nine years after I began college, I finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree. My nine years were highlighted by several jobs, a hiatus from school and then eventually part-time at night. I had finally done it and wished not to do it again. Fast forward 15 yrs and here I am doing it again. Due to a change in career direction, I found myself back in school again taking courses that would allow me to go to Grad School. Yes. Grad school. This time around, the classes and professors are interesting. I enjoy my time in school learning. Tonight I took the Miller Analogies Test, which is a requirement in o

As the Memorial Day weekend is upon, people all over are celebrating the beginning of the summer season with BBQs, friends, pools etc. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Please do not forget the men & women of the armed forces who gave of themselves for us.

With school budgets looming on the horizon, I thought that I'd take a moment to sing the praises of art education in the public schools. Last week, the Warwick Valley Central School District held their annual art exhibition. The exhibition is usually devoted to the elementary school level. This year it showcased work from grades K-12.    As always, the work that is produced by these children is phenomenal. I look at it and wonder how any one can even think of cutting art education from the schools. Warwick has already eliminated art enrichment classes from the curiculum. However, there was a possibility earlier this year, that art would be cut entirely from the program, along with Music. But thank goodness that it never happened. Looking at art work by young students should remind us all why art education is important. It's not just about drawing and painting. Art teaches us about history and different cultures. Art teaches us about literature. Art teaches us math. Looking at

3...2...1...Happy New Year! Oh wait...the New Year began already. I can't help doing a countdown. According to dictionary.com, the meaning of countdown is as follows: count·down [ kount -doun ]   –noun 1. the backward counting in fixed time   units from the   initiation of a project, as a rocket launching, with the moment of firing designated as zero. 2. the final preparations made during this period. 3. a period of increasing activity, tension, or anxiety, as before a deadline.     Most of us, at some point, start a countdown. We all countdown the end of a year on New Year's Eve. I know a person who counts down from Winter to Spring. My kids countdown to the final day of school. It doesn't matter what we do it to. We do it. But why do we countdown? We do it because it gives us excitement and joy. The anticipation of the end or the beginning...something to look forward to. I am doing a countdown right now. I am counting down

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate. Though it is a day to commemorate Christ fulfilling the prophecy and rising from the dead, today marks the day that my kids (age 8 & 11) admitted to me that they know that there is no Easter Bunny. My heart was broken. Gone was the innocent excitement of hunting for the easter eggs that the Easter Bunny had left outside for them to find. Gone is the wonder of "how does the Easter Bunny always know what to put in my basket?" But they are relieved to not have to pretend about the Easter Bunny. They are grateful for all the hard work and effort I had put into their fun, excitement and childlike wonder. I am grateful for the last few years of being witness to their sincere wonder and excitement. I will always hold on to that as they continue to grow. They are no longer babies, but they will always be MY babies. Have a joyous and Blessed Easter with those you love.

It is my first foray into blog land...bear with me. I created this space, or rather, this place for day to day happenings, events, life and whatever else comes to mind. A place to express and share. I hope you will enjoy it.