Role Club Boondockers

To Whom it May Concern, As I sit down to reflect and write this “essay” for the second Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome, I can’t help but be distracted by two things: First, the overwhelming amount of fun I’ve had. This was my first experience with this community, and I must admit, I really enjoyed every moment of it. Second, the actual outcome! Glancing down at the boots I wore exclusively for the last 182 days, a new form of admiration exists. A certain nostalgia that’s now present exclusively with this pair. Something was undoubtedly accomplished here. Something that hasn’t been done before. Something that may only happen when you dedicate half a year of life to a single pair of boots. And, without this sounding any weirder than it needs to, I’m pretty sure both the boots and I are better off because of it! These boots received all the love and attention that was possible since I first put them on. I then received the wonderful gift of having a spectacular pair of perfectly worn-in boots to cherish for years to come at the conclusion. We (the boots and I collectively) did this by sharing the experiences that are now “road-mapped” directly onto them, almost like earned badges of honor. I am humbled and honored by that accomplishment, and it is truly the greatest prize. In closing, I also wanted to express my gratitude to the people who have made this opportunity possible: Ben at Stitchdown, for all his hard work. The folks who created and are supporting the Patina App. The best app support I’ve ever experienced. The judges, for taking time and energy to do the sometimes thankless job of scoring countless gorgeous pairs and determining a winner. The sponsors, who graciously put up the mass of wonderful prizes (Shout out to my local boot retailer, Brooklyn Clothing, for keeping it real). Lastly, to the other competitors who welcomed this patina-noob in with open arms. See you again next time! Scott.