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Jeff Kinney: A Wimpy Celebrity By No Means

"Do Not Be Wise In Words. Be Wise In Deeds." -- Marcus Arelius

How many celebrities do you know who are doing good work while living exemplary lives?

I ask the question because rare is the spotlight placed upon these people. Yet, there are plenty of such celebrities who fit this bill -- choosing to live under the radar, contribute positively, and maintain a healthy outlook on their status. I'd like to share a story about one of them, as I think these stories are important reminders of the true definition of "celebrity." My story is about famed-author, Jeff Kinney.

The name behind the beloved children's book series "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid" boarded a plane last summer and took a seat right next to a dear friend of mine. A conversation ensued. It somehow translated into a text-exchange with me and an invitation for my 9 year-old son, Austen (a huge fan), to join Jeff at his bookstore "An Unlikely STORY" one afternoon. Needless-to-say, my son spent the entire summer itching for September to come, along with the day that he would meet Jeff Kinney.

When the two, finally, did meet, the experience was literally surreal for my son. Jeff welcomed him into his world with an enormous grin. He chatted with him; toured him through his charming and historical bookstore; engaged him in a bit of an on-going joke he continued to play on a staff member; then signed the copy of my son's favorite book within the Wimpy Kid series. The impression he left on my son was beyond memorable. It sent him fleeing to school the following Monday with his signed book in hand and an inspirational story to tell his entire class that day and for the rest of his life.

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Only Jeff truly knows the reason why he offered his time and hospitality to my child in such a manner. Given what I experienced and observed of the man, however, I hasten to think that he did so because he is darn proud of his bookstore, remains a humble and grounded individual, and remembers back to what it was like to be a kid.

Define the word "Celebrity" any better? I think not. No wonder he connects with kids so well.

As stories like this tend to go unnoticed, I wanted to highlight this one. Doing so also gives me the opportunity to remind you that Jeff Kinney's newest book "Wrecking Ball" ("Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Book 14) becomes available November 5th. I know a mother and son who already pre-ordered a copy.

And just to waylay any notion that Jeff Kinney hired me to write this post? I assure you; he did not. He has no idea I am a blogger, the extent of my readership or that I even planned to pen anything about him. It makes writing this post even more fun and meaningful.

And Jeff Kinney's actions even more significant. Clearly, this author is more than just words.

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