Howard Schultz Signs My Starbucks Card

I thought I’d tell you the short story of my catching up with Howard Schultz this evening. On my way home from work, I dropped by the Roastery. I was on foot, as I normally walk to and from work every day. I walked in, soaked from the rain, windblown, and headed straight for the line. While in line, a Portland, Oregon partner (whom I’d never met before tonight) came up to me and asked “Are you Melody?” We talked for a few minutes. I immediately liked her.

I offered Trista, the Portland partner, a copy of my book Tales of the Siren. From the Roastery, I quickly left and headed to my house and grabbed a copy of Tales of the Siren, as well as a Sharpie so that I could autograph a book for her. I should mention, it truly is a short walk from the Roastery to my house, so it was extremely easy to go run and grab a book. I gave Trista the book, and then she went on her way, indicating that she had to get going back to Portland.

At this point, I headed back into the Roastery, and got back in line (I hadn’t ordered anything the first trip in when I connected with Trista). As I got into the line, I saw Howard heading my way, walking along the Pike Street side of the Roastery. He stopped and said “hello” to me. I asked him what he likes best at the Roastery, and he really laughed, and just said “I can’t pick.” He looked like he needed to go. I continued to stand in the slow-moving line to order, and he headed to a far corner of the store, near the front. At a far distance, I could see him on his cell phone. I was way too far away to have any idea what he was saying or whom he was speaking with. He sat quietly, alone, in a table near the front corner of the store.

Remarkably, Howard still sat alone a few minutes longer. I saw him get off the phone, and realized that there was a quiet moment where he wasn’t busy. I still had that same Sharpie that I’d grabbed to sign Tales of the Siren, so I headed over to his table, and sat down with him, as if this might be a normal thing to do! Howard looked totally relaxed and unhurried. I handed him the card and the Sharpie and asked him to sign my card, apologizing because this isn’t the first Starbucks card that he’s ever signed for me.

He generously signed it, with a beautiful autograph! I’ve seen him do a some sloppy autographs now and then! Howard asked me how I’ve been. We just made small talk for another couple of minutes, and then I thanked him, and then headed back to get my food and drink.

The whole thing was very nice. I hope I haven’t bored anyone with this story, but honestly I thought you might enjoy looking at this autographed Starbucks card as much as I do.

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