#commondecency

On a perfectly tidy suburban street, it turns out saving a beloved oak tree can uncover far more than anyone expected.

Pre-Reading Thoughts

A story about suburban life, neighbourhood politics, and a battle to save a tree sounds like it could go either way—gentle satire or heartfelt community drama. I’m hoping for witty observations about everyday life and a cast of characters whose small quirks become very big problems.

Post-Reading

As I thought… Oak Drive is a wonderfully recognisable slice of suburbia—perfectly kept gardens, carefully returned bins, and a quiet pride in keeping everything just so. The ensemble cast brings the street to life, with each neighbour contributing their own perspective, personality, and quietly simmering tension as the fight to save the oak tree unfolds.

It surprised me by… How effectively the story balances humour with genuine warmth. As the residents rally together, their frustrations and secrets begin to surface, but instead of tearing the community apart, the shared cause gradually brings them together in unexpected ways.

Music Pairing

🎵 Featured Song: Our House — Madness

🎶 Vibe Album: The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society — The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Belle and Sebastian — witty, observational, and quietly charming.

Vibe Check

Colour Palette: leafy green, warm brick red, soft cream

Soundtrack: rustling leaves, neighbours chatting across hedges, distant lawnmowers

Season: late spring / early summer — when gardens are thriving and people start paying attention to what matters

Mood: witty, heartwarming, gently chaotic

Scent: cut grass, fresh tea, and warm baking drifting from open windows

Tarot Pull

Three of Cups

The Three of Cups represents community, cooperation, and celebration. Despite their differences, the residents of Oak Drive ultimately come together to protect something they all care about, turning a neighbourhood dispute into a moment of shared purpose.

For Fans Of

Book: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Every now and then, it feels as though the very core of our society is slipping away—a world where common sense is abandoned for hollow schemes and empty promises. I’m here to remind you, in no uncertain terms, that there is still hope. We must reject the lure of quick fixes and embrace the slow, steady path to genuine improvement.

I’ve seen it all: folks chasing fleeting trends, losing sight of what truly matters in the pursuit of fast money. And while many are too blinded by the glitter of instant gratification, I know that the strength of our character is built on the foundation of persistence and true investment. This isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about the way we live our lives, about being accountable for our actions, and about showing respect for one another in every small act of kindness.

There was a time when I watched a dear friend, full of promise, succumb to the pressures of modern shortcuts. He was lured by the siren call of easy success, only to find himself stranded amid disappointment and regret. That painful lesson carved itself into my heart, fueling my determination to never let another soul fall victim to the same trap. I learned that the true worth of a person is measured not by the speed at which they gain, but by the steadfastness with which they hold on to what’s right and real.

So here we are, at the crossroads of change. It’s time to cast aside the ephemeral allure of empty shortcuts and instead commit ourselves to a future where every step is deliberate, every action is honest, and every member of our community is valued for the integrity they bring. I’m not talking about grand gestures or lofty ideals; I’m talking about the everyday moments where we choose decency over deceit.

Let’s come together and rebuild a society that honors its traditions, nurtures its community, and refuses to be swayed by the temptations of the moment. We must hold on—hold on to our values, our sense of accountability, and the belief that every person can change for the better. It’s time to mend what’s been broken, one genuine effort at a time.

Now listen up, because I’ve had it with the nonsense that’s taken over our lives—those slick schemes that promise quick riches only to leave you empty-handed and disappointed. I’ve seen it all: people chasing after flashy shortcuts, only to have the rug pulled right from under them. I’ve learned over time that the only real value lies in holding on, in investing in something that grows and stands the test of time. It’s not about the quick fix; it’s about commitment, resilience, and the simple decency of doing things right.

I remember a long time ago, not too distant in the grand scheme of life, when I was offered an easy way out—a scheme that promised instant success with no effort. I was tempted, as anyone might be. But instead of taking that shortcut, I chose the hard road. I poured sweat, blood, and a whole lot of stubborn pride into something that took years to build, but in the end, it gave me a sense of fulfillment and stability that no quick buck ever could. That experience taught me the true meaning of value. It wasn’t about getting rich fast; it was about creating something lasting, something that brings people together and upholds the standards of common decency.

Now, here’s where I get fired up: Our society is slipping into chaos because we’re too busy chasing empty promises. It’s high time we put an end to the foolish schemes and start holding ourselves—and each other—accountable. I’m not out here to play hero or to act like some self-appointed savior. I’m simply tired of watching good people get burned by the same old tricks. I’m driven by the belief that by staying true to our values and holding on to what really matters, we can steer this ship back on course.

We’re not asking for miracles here. We’re simply calling on everyone to join in, to stand firm and say enough is enough. By sticking to our principles and encouraging others to do the same, we can bring back the sense of community that’s been lost. We need to see each other as partners in a shared journey—a journey where every act of courtesy, every moment of perseverance, helps build a better, kinder society.

So, here’s my message: Let’s hold on. Let’s invest in our future by embracing the hard work of real growth and genuine connection. Let’s call out the greed and empty promises, and instead, champion the slow, steady progress that creates lasting change. I’m here, committed to this cause, because I believe that in every one of us lies the power to transform the world around us.

Join me, and let’s get back to basics. Let’s rebuild a community where decency isn’t optional, and where every person is respected for the value they truly bring. Together, we can make a difference—one honest step at a time.

I’m excited to announce that Common Decency, a short film that Andrés and I made in 2014, is kicking off Week 2 of “Chicago Onscreen: At Home,” a new online film festival through the Chicago Park District! 

“All the Feels”—the theme for this week’s program—features seven short Chicago-made films, all of which will be free to view online from today through May 4. The whole festival runs through May 25.

Like all other films in this festival, ours was invited for inclusion because it was featured in a previous summer’s Local Film Showcase as part of the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks. Huge thanks to Jon Ravenscroft for his tireless creative leadership of both the in-person and online festivals.

More info about Common Decency—including the process of making it—can be found at our Vimeo link. (Fun fact: We didn’t know until seeing a promotion for it today that ours was the first animated film in the Local Film Showcase!)