I decided to work in pencil for this Everyday Matters “hand challenge.” I like the softness and tonal range of pencil. It’s so elemental, so basic. A pencil, not one of the millions of pens I own and carry in my purse and that spew out all over the floor of the car if I come to a sudden stop while driving. Among friends I am known as the one who always has a pen—or a dozen—with me.

Can’t remember how many times I’ve drawn that hand. I’ll be ready for bed, but feel I have to do a drawing before the day is through, so it’s that hand again. It’s the perfect model, always there and ready to pose.