by: Lauren Jonik

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” ― Anne Frank

The summer of 2020 has proven to be a strange time– one in which terms like “quarantining” and “social distancing” have become a familiar part of the cultural lexicon. But, despite pervasive uncertainty, beauty still abounds. This year, I have opted to make greater attempts at seeing it– at discovering it in the unexpected places where it resides. And, to my delight, I’ve found beauty everywhere. In the sounds of children playing, in the glint of moonlight through tall trees, in the warmth of late afternoon sunlight caressing my skin, life greets me. But, perhaps even more significantly, I’ve rediscovered sublime and vibrant beauty in the form of flowers. What began as a daily routine to break up my day and pull me away from endless staring at screens soon was transformed. I started going on “photography scavenger hunts.” I would grab my phone and set off into the great outdoors. What resulted are the images shown here– and many more. I invite you to take a moment to savor the beauty– first here and then, in your own corner of the world wherever and whenever you see it. It’s there.

Click on each individual image to see a larger view.

Lauren Jonik is a writer, photographer and co-founder of TheRefresh. She holds a Master’s Degree in Media Management from the New School in NYC. Follow her on Twitter: @laurenjonik