Ryan Leeds

Posted by Athena Scalzi

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/05/27/a-birthday-bonanza-in-columbus/

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Today is my best friend’s golden birthday, and as much as I wanted to celebrate it on her actual birthday, circumstances led to us celebrating it on Saturday. And we had the most funtastic day ever! Today I want to share with you all the super-awesome things we did so you can check some of these places out if you also happen to live in Columbus.

So, Saturday morning, I drove to Columbus and picked my friend up at about eleven in the morning. To get our day started right, we needed coffee. My friend is gluten-free, so the obvious choice for the job was none other than Cherbourg Bakery in Bexley. Named after the town in France, Cherbourg actually has two locations, one in Columbus and one in Cincinnati (named Cherbourg Cyprus). It’s a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free bakery, and it’s absolutely wonderful.

The little neighborhood it’s in is darling, and the inside is so cute and welcoming. They offer tons of different gluten-free baked goods, from savory items like quiche and strata to sweets like lemon bars and cookies, you’re sure to find something yummy. I’ve had the strawberry donut, lavender muffin, and both the quiche and strata. Everything was so good you wouldn’t even know it was gluten free!

I especially loved that the strawberry donut and muffin weren’t overly sweet, and the donut was clearly made with real strawberries. The strata had sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella in it which is obviously a bomb combo.

Aside from the food, they have coffee. They make their syrups in house, so while they are a bit limited on flavors (usually vanilla and one other), they taste extra good. Last time my friend and I went, we got their butterscotch lattes which are seriously so good, but this time we went for an iced vanilla latte. Also good!

Coffee in hand, our next stop was the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. While my friend has actually been here before many times and is a member, I’d never been before and I knew she wanted to show me it at some point, and also who doesn’t love visiting a conservatory on a lovely day?

The conservatory was so cool, there were so many beautiful flowers, funky cacti, incredible bonsais, it was great. There were even a couple of water features!

I especially loved these pink blossoms:

They have a cute little gift shop which I would’ve loved to look at but we were a tiny bit short on time since we had our spa appointments at 1pm.

We spent the next few hours at The Head Spa, a luxury scalp and hair wellness micro spa in Dublin, just north of Columbus. I found them on Tik Tok months ago, and have been dying to find an occasion to go. I knew right away that I wanted to try their Grand Experience, because I’m bougie like that. I went to schedule my friend and I through their online booking, but realized I couldn’t book for two people at once, so I called instead.

I ended up speaking with the owner, and she helped me to find a time and day that they could take both me and my friend for the Grand Experience. I really appreciated her willingness to work with me on this and her friendliness throughout!

My friend and I were led to our private rooms, and the experience began. The spa suites were atmospherically lit, and the heated massage table even had purple lights underneath, which was perfect for me.

To start, my esthetician (is that what they’re called if they do hair and skin stuff? Or is that term just for skincare? Oh well, you get the idea) did a scalp analysis using a microscopic lens, and I got to see my scalp super up close on a screen. It was kind of freaky to see like, my hair follicles and skin so zoomed in, but other than being a little oily my scalp looked pretty good!

Based on what she saw, she put together a line up of products to use on me throughout the session. To start, she placed a heated eye mask on me, massaged some oil into my scalp and hair, and used a high frequency comb on me. I had never heard of this technology before, but basically it looks like a glass comb that’s attached to a machine, and it delivers tiny shocks to your scalp to stimulate follicle growth. I absolutely hate getting shocked, but this literally didn’t hurt at all and was basically just like, small tingles. It was also a very brief segment of the treatment so it really wasn’t a problem to get through.

Next, she used a scalp exfoliator product and used two brushes at the same time to work it into my scalp and brush through my hair. This part felt so good, I was already so relaxed. There was something about having two brushes at once that just felt extra good. I was worried about my hair getting pulled at the ends, but the brushes went through effortlessly, it was amazing.

The showerhead they use to rinse your hair feels so good, too, and the temperature was perfect. Everyone knows the best part of getting your hair washed at a salon is when they use the shower part on you.

Honestly some parts are a little fuzzy because I was so relaxed I was kind of drifting in and out of consciousness a bit, but there was of course shampooing and conditioning going on, scalp massagers that look kind of like big salad tossing equipment but feel incredible, ice globes were implemented at one point, I don’t even know!

What I do know is that a facial is included in the Grand Experience, as well as a hand and foot massage, and that portion of the treatment was seriously bomb. The facial started with a cleanser that she used two fluffy fan brushes to apply, and it felt like a cloud was being administered to my face. Again, something about using two at the same time just gives it that je ne sais quoi.

There were some other products she gently massaged into my face and I felt like I was in heaven. And best of all, you know when you’re at a hotel or a spa and the towels have a particular smell to them where it’s like, oh yeah that’s a towel that has been used by other people and run through the laundry a gazillion times? The towels here actually smelled GOOD! I could hardly believe it. The heated towels felt and smelled great.

The neck and shoulder massage, as well as the hand and foot massage, came with a scrub, and I love a scrub. Sugar, salt, coffee, all scrubs are good scrubs. There was a massage portion, and then applying the scrub portion, and then a little bit of massage with the scrub on portion. All of it was great. The entire time that was going on, the rainfall shower was on and water was gently cascading through my hair.

Finally, after everything was rinsed, massaged, exfoliated, yada yada, the Grand Experience ends with a blowout, so my hair was dried, brushed, and left looking silky and beautiful! Usually the drying and brushing is my least favorite portion of getting my hair done at a salon, because I feel like they really rip through your hair and pull a lot, but my girl was so gentle.

I even thanked her for being so gentle and told her she didn’t hurt me once, which is really hard to do because I’m very sensitive. She told me she is actually tender headed, so she tries extra hard to be gentle, and boy does it show! I was also concerned before getting the treatment that by the end, my scalp would be so touched-out and overly sensitive from being messed with so much, but the opposite ended up being the case. I thought I’d be tired of having my hair played with and scalp massaged, but I was ready for more immediately.

Everything was so enjoyable, I seriously can’t recommend The Head Spa enough. My friend also very much enjoyed her time, and said her girl was nice and very friendly, too.

I wish I lived closer because I would visit all the time if I could. It’s honestly so worth the drive though, I might start making special trips out for it. It isn’t cheap, especially the Grand Experience, but I think it’s more than worth it with the level of luxury, uniqueness, expertise, and friendliness that comes with it.

If I didn’t paint a good enough picture, here’s a Tik Tok from them giving you a basic rundown! It doesn’t include everything I got, but it covers the gist of things:

@theheadspa614

What is a Head Spa Treatment? Let us show you! Step into a world of relaxation and scalp rejuvenation! Here’s an exclusive look at our Signature Treatment, complete with an optional blowout add-on for that perfect finish. Signature Treatment – $145 Blowout Add-On – $45+ Because self-care starts at the roots! Located in Dublin Book your appointment today and treat yourself to the ultimate head spa experience. Call Us – 614-305-4017 #HeadSpa #Relaxation #ScalpCare #HealthyHair #HairGoals #Blowout #DublinSelfCare #headspa #japaneseheadspa #hairspa

♬ original sound – 614 Head Spa

After our relaxing spa session, we grabbed another fun beverage at Tous les Jours, a French + Asian bakery and cafe chain. I got their iced honey lavender matcha which is totes delish, and a small egg custard tart. My friend got a hazelnut macaron because they’re gluten free, as well as an iced ube latte which doesn’t actually have any coffee in it, it’s just like ube milk basically.

Second beverage of the day in hand, we headed over to Clay Street Ceramics to paint some pottery. While this place accepts walk-ins during their normal business hours, they also take after hours reservations. Since they closed at 4pm on Saturday, I knew we were just barely going to miss it. I emailed them and asked if just the two of us could come at around 4:30, and they said of course!

It was my friend’s first time painting pottery, which is so wild to me because she’s really good at painting and likes artsy stuff. She picked out a serving platter to paint, and I picked a sunflower catch-all tray. It was just us in the small but cute shop, and the employee was super helpful and offered tons of tips. It was so much fun!

Finally, it was time for dinner, which my friend’s boyfriend came along for. We went to The Pearl, specifically the Short North location and not the Dublin location, though I kind of wish I had picked the Dublin location instead since I like that area so much.

I picked The Pearl specifically because it has so many gluten-free options. Not only are a lot of the dishes just without gluten anyway, but pretty much all of the dishes with gluten can be made to be gluten-free.

Plus, I have heard for years that The Pearl is a nice restaurant worth checking out, and I was excited to finally try it. I was surprised to learn that it’s more like a gastropub than specifically a seafood restaurant, though they do have an oyster bar. It has a warm and inviting feel, while remaining upscale with its atmospheric lighting, leather, wood floors, and backlit bar shelving. Plus, the bathrooms were really nice, and even had lotion and mouthwash available to use. Now that’s classy.

We each started off with a cocktail, my friend with a Blueberry Mojito, her boyfriend with an old fashioned, and myself with “The Cure,” which contained Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka, guava and passionfruit, mint, and Cava. It was balanced, sweet and tart from the passionfruit, overall a delicious cocktail. My friends said theirs were fantastic as well, with the old fashioned being noted as “incredibly smooth.”

For appetizers, I simply had to ask what the “Devils on Horseback” were. Turns out they were bacon wrapped dates stuffed with gruyere and served with a shallot based chimichurri on top. And man oh man, were they delicious. Our server said they were his favorite appetizer and I can see why. The sweetness of the dates, creaminess of the gruyere, saltiness from the bacon, slight acidity from the chimichurri, my goodness. Absolute 10/10.

We also got the garlic shrimp as a starter, which came with smoked tomatoes and crispy shallots, and was in a chili butter with parsley. The bread that came alongside it was marked with an “allergy” skewer, which reassured my friend that it was safe, because according to her it didn’t taste safe, that’s how good it was. If gluten-free bread doesn’t taste bad, she gets concerned. But thankfully, it was just really good gluten-free bread!

For my main, I picked the Arctic Char with roasted cauliflower, cauliflower puree, and an aged balsamic vinegar over it. I do find it a bit odd they doubled up on the cauliflower for this dish, but you won’t hear me complaining. I love cauliflower, especially cauliflower puree! I think it’s one of the best things you can do with cauliflower.

Also, the server explained what char was to me, because I didn’t even know it was a fish. He said it’s sort of similar to salmon, but with thinner filets and like a more mild flavor. Apparently it’s also a freshwater fish and they live in colder waters. Learn something new everyday.

I ended up really liking the fish, though I think I might prefer salmon. The cauliflower puree was great, as I said I quite enjoy cauliflower so overall this dish was a win for me.

My friend had some trouble deciding, but ended up choosing the sea scallops with corn puree, roasted tomato, and charred green beans. The dish came with five sea scallops, which was actually more than I was expecting. In my experience when you order a scallops entrée, it usually comes with only three. She let me try a bite, and the scallops were cooked perfectly, very tender and had a great flavor.

Her boyfriend got the hangar steak, which came with kimchi fried rice and a fried egg. It’s actually the dish pictured at the top of the “menus” page on their website if you want to see it! He offered to let me try it, but I’m always afraid that kimchi will be too spicy for me. Either way, it looked great.

To accompany our entrees, my friend and I tried one of their mocktails. We got the “Right On Thyme,” which was a non-alcoholic gin plus a lemon herb infusion. It was light, herby without being overpowering, and served in a cute glass. We love a mocktail moment.

Not only was all of the food and drinks totally amazing, but our server was fantastic, too. He was so friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu, and was constantly reassuring my friend that everything was going to come out gluten free when she placed the order, and then again when he would actually bring out the order and serve it to her.

My friend and I had such a fun day and I’m so happy I got to celebrate her golden birthday with her. I absolutely loved everything we did and I’m so happy she did, too. I feel so grateful that we got to spend the whole day together and do such awesome stuff. It really was the best.

Have you ever heard of a head spa before? Does it sound like something you would enjoy? Have you been to The Pearl? Perhaps their Tampa location (random, considering they only have the Dublin and Short North location besides that one)? Let me know in the comments, and have a great day!

-AMS

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/05/27/a-birthday-bonanza-in-columbus/

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Posted by Athena Scalzi

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/05/27/the-big-idea-jim-c-hines-6/

https://whatever.scalzi.com/?p=55810

Sometimes you have an idea so grand, it simply cannot live in just a few pages. Hence why author Jim C. Hines decided to tell a longer tale than the one he originally created with his newest novel, Kitemaster. Come along in his Big Idea through the whirlwind it took to get here.

JIM C. HINES:

Kites are really damn cool.

That was my big, exciting revelation twenty-plus years ago that eventually led to Kitemaster.

It started while I was reading a Zelazny novel. I don’t remember the title and I couldn’t tell you the plot, but it included a reference to fighting kites. I’d never heard of fighting kites before. I remember my fascination at learning people would coat part of their kite lines in ground glass and glue and fly them forth to battle other kites, trying to cut each other’s lines.

Learning more about fighting kites led to me writing a short story called “Gift of the Kites,” about a child who fights to save his grandfather by battling Death’s kite. But that was just the start.

Historically, kites have been used for pulling carts and wagons, for fishing, even to lift soldiers into the air to better observe the enemy. We’ve used them for everything from scientific research to pulling kitesurfers across the water. The world’s longest kite was more than 6000 meters in length (a dragon kite flown at the 2015 International Kite Flying Festival above Chongqing City, China).

I developed a character, Nial, who could control kites and the wind. Then I built a world for her, one where the winds never stop, where giant ribbonlike serpents fly among the clouds and the stars themselves flow with the wind and kitemasters pilot kite-and-sail-powered ships through the sky.

I wrote another short story, this one called “Kitemaster.” But the short story was too, well, short.

Remember that kernel of “Oh, cool!” that began with fighting kites? That was the heart of my worldbuilding as I developed “Kitemaster” into a novel-length work. I wanted more wonder and amazement. I wanted cliffsides that created neverending music as the air rushed past the cave mouths. I wanted spirit kites carrying the dead to the stars. I wanted—

Well, I can’t spoil all the surprises.

The resulting book, Kitemaster, has its share of trouble and darkness. Nial is a widow trying to find a path forward. Her friends Xao and Vikaan carry trauma of their own. Like most worlds, theirs has its share of cruel and unpleasant people.

But there’s also joy and wonder. I loved writing the scene where Nial first goes up on a kiteship. The circumstances aren’t exactly ideal, but that can’t stop Nial’s excitement as they race away from the ground, as she feels the wind’s growing power flowing around and through her…

Amidst all of this is the quieter wonder of Nial reconnecting with the world and with her newfound friends. The trust and love she builds with them are as powerful as anything in this world of magic and endless wind.

That’s where Kitemaster came from: love and wonder and excitement and really cool kites.

Kitemaster: Amazon|Barnes & Noble|BAM|Bookshop

Author Socials: Website|Facebook|Bluesky

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