1) Stand In The Fountain

Floating lamps? Or ropes and pulleys? Answer: Floating lamps.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CLuRxeS2pY
John Southworth, “Life Is Unbelievable” (The Pillowmaker, 2010)

2) All Is Grace, There Is No Grace

Acknowledgement of vast ignorance, of vulnerability, of good fortune — humility. That’s the place to start.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JToByR14Q0Y
Robert Bresson, “Au Hasard Balthazar” (1966)

3) Know Where You Came From

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3FvaxTeupk
World Party, “Is It Like Today?” (Bang!, 1993)

4) Learn To Measure The Stars

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl_qA5I_ycA
VideoFromSpace, “Earth From Space; NASA Highlights” (2012)

5) Come Face To Face

Are you the dog? Or the skunk? Answer: The dog.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbUHrkP6-FY
popeye9090, “Dog Meets Skunk” (2009)

6) The Veil Comes Down

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmdwsLtNx2E
Willie Nelson, “I Never Cared For You” (Teatro, 1998)

7) Seek Out Consolation

After tears and sleep, there is music at the opera house.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-TwMfgaDC8
Maria Callas, “Casta Diva” (Rome, 1957)

8) Decide: What Is Love?

Roger Scruton says you can find consolation closer to home, and from consolation, happiness. He also doesn’t mind providing an answer to one of the enduring questions.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnWh78iawag
VPROWinkel, “Roger Scruton” (Of Beauty & Consolation, 2000)

9) The Fun Machine Is Going Down, Follow It

Other sources of consolation and happiness are available. Here’s some on this sidewalk in Boston. Except really, you probably do not want that person back.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EPwRdVg5Ug
Lake Street Dive, “I Want You Back” (2012) — thx M Rowe

10) Watch The End Of Fellini’s Film

Now it’s late at night and the people you love are asleep. You’re tired, the lamps are floating. You can’t tear yourself from the computer. Then, au hasard, you get to this, and it’s enough to bring a close to the day.

Federico Fellini, “Nights Of Cabiria” (1957)

Are you crying ‘cuz you’re happy? Or sad? Answer: Happy.