I’ve been deep in the planning phase for a new set of abalone works lately—the kind of slow, satisfying planning where the research is part of the art, and decisions start stacking into something that feels inevitable. The Abalone Variations are some of my favorite pieces I've ever made, and I'm excited to revisit the series. 1.

Today is my birthday, and I’m trying to let that mean what it actually means: a day I’m allowed to enjoy, and a day I’m allowed to invest in myself. I’ve always treated my birthday as a kind of personal development marker—less “buy a thing” and more “build a door.” This year’s door looks like something practical and a little unexpected: I’m working toward becoming a North Carolina notary public.