Most positive rejection

Yesterday I got probably the most positive rejection I've ever received from someone declining to produce a theater piece I sent them. I submitted "The Old House," from 31 Plays in 31 Days, where a widowed woman "talks to her late husband"-- really just thinking aloud --about how she thinks she needs to sell their family home and start a different life if she's ever going to be able to go on without him. This was the response I got.

"Hi Phoebe,

Thanks for the submission. Although I really love the piece, we can't use it this time around. Our acting ensemble does not include an older lady, unfortunately, and I think having a young actress portray this character would do your exquisite monologue an injustice.

Maybe next time!"

Most of the time theaters don't even bother to contact you if they're not going to use your script, or if they do, they send you a form letter. Somebody who took the time to write me a personal and complimentary message probably wouldn't have done so unless they meant it, right?

So I guess next to agreeing to perform it, this is the best possible response I could get...?

Table for one

I dined out alone the other night. While I often go out alone, rarely do I ever have dinner in a sit down restaurant by myself. It's not really the culture of such places, they're always vaguely surprised when you walk in and hold up just one finger at the host.

There are episodes of Frasier and Sex and the City that suggest that dining out alone is one of the most unpleasant things a person can do, as if it's supposed to be an indicator of abject pathos. But I found it to be completely relaxing. As an introvert I recharge by being alone, and the restaurant provided a quiet, comfortable atmosphere where I could do so while getting a bite without having to cook or clean. Nobody gave me a second glance; certainly nobody whispered or looked askance in pity the way TV shows would have you believe. I sat by the window and watched the crowds go by, and played with my phone as I ate. A woman nearby was wearing Opium, a scent I associate with my mother. The waiter smiled at me, in the way strangers smile at you when they think you're pretty. With the amount of tension I've been carrying around, it was nice to find the experience so relaxing. For budgetary reasons I don't go out to eat very often, but if I can swing it, it might be nice to do it alone every once in a while.