“There are flowers everywhere, for those who bother to look.” – Henri Matisse

I have lived in Tucson for almost 11 years now. That’s a huge record in my life since it’s twice as long as I’ve lived anywhere else. I feel like this rather large city of 1 million people is just a small town spread out over a large area. I drive from corner to corner and know the ins and outs of almost every part of it by this point. But I still haven’t seen it all, and probably never will.

Even driving down the same road I drive every day, I will randomly notice something different, and new. Or is it new? Just because I haven’t noticed it before, I feel like it must be new, but it’s funny how we get into patterns; looking the same direction, noticing the same things. Just switching from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat gives a whole new perspective. But if you really want to see new things, you have to get out and walk. Or bike. Or ride a horse. Or something besides drive.

Just last night we had a fundraiser at the most charming little outdoor restaurant called La Cocina. Downtown you will find this little mexico-esque cantina surrounded by quaint shops with white lights strung from tree to tree and patio seating on the most beautiful of Tucson evenings. I was able to capture a few photos during the event.

Do you still look for beauty in your town? What kinds of hidden treasures have you discovered?