Soot Sprite Hive: Pogo And The Wizard In The Garden Of Oz

Sadly, I missed the deadline to an online videomaking contest

held by the esteemed Pogo. He's a talented musician I discovered

several years ago who has a wonderful knack for making me fall

in love again with films I've always held in high regard.

The contest called for a film to be made of his current track,

'Mellow Brick Road' which uses samples from the 'Wizard of Oz'

in ways you never imagined. The making of the film was a kick and

I enjoyed the process a great deal. Unfortunately inspiration on

what to feature in the video was lacking until the last minute.

I found a secret little place in the not-so-secret city of Los Angeles

that I thought would compliment Pogo's song quite well.

The Garden of Oz is a park within a private residence in the

Hollywood Hills. The lore has it that the only people who have access

to the area are the neighboring children who are sent a key

anonymously and are welcome to use the garden as their play space.

A key point in the garden's history was the blessing of the grounds
by 15 missionaries dispatched by the Dalai Lama himself.

"Oz" Author, L. Frank Baum lived in a neighboring
part of town not more than a mile away.

Another fun fact, at the foot of the gate to the garden's entrance

is a post box addressed to Oz. Through this box you are

encouraged to leave letters expressing your hopes and dreams

to the Great Oz himself!