Are YOU an American?... and Other Updates

Hey folks, I sure hope all here in the U.S. enjoy the wonderful holiday tomorrow.  To mark the occasion, both Bilerico Project and Huffington Post are running a piece of mine I wrote last year, "I am a Mother-F--ckin' American".  I'm proud to note that since its original publication, which included mentioned of President Obama, I've been able to remove him from the list of "non-Americans," due to his recent stance on marriage equality, efforts in increasing healthcare availability, and so much more.  Great job, Mr. President--can't wait to see what else you'll do to make this country even better.I'm also thankful for my pal, Jeff Ballam, who was inspired by a piece I wrote last week, "Am I a Slut or a Prude?", which prompted him to examine his own life.  He's done so in a new blog post.  He's got a new book coming out soon, and I wish him the very best.The kids are in full summer mode, and very soon we'll be heading out for a much-needed family vacation to Boston and Provincetown, which makes it even odder still that I'm now in the middle of writing holiday-themed short stories, for a new collection I hope to have completed for the winter!I continue to receive many wonderful notes and reviews from readers of Songs, and for that I am truly grateful.  It was a labor of love, and I'm glad it has resonated with so many!Enjoy your 4th,Kergan