Motion activated Screen Saver in Python on Raspberry Pi

The past few weeks while installing my Raspberry Pi and Gertboard, configuring and testing other people’s software…I have been sitting on an idea for my first project. On one of my run’s to Radio Shack, I found a Parallax Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensor for only $5. Unknown if it would even work with my system (voltage and sensor type), I picked it up with this single idea in mind.
The idea was to have the PIR sensor detect me as I come into the room and turn off the Raspberry Pi’s Energy Saving Screen Blanking.  Well I dived right in and taught myself enough Python to get the sensor up and working (yes, the Parallax Rev. B PIR Sensor will work at 3.3v. (or 5 off the board as well)). I even managed to get the HDMI to engage and Disengage the power saving Screen Blanking. But it is a hardware issue that requires the screen to be redrawn to put the desktop back on the monitor.