It’s been a heck of a year, to put it lightly. My only resolution for the New Year is that it is better than 2020, and not for me, but for everyone.
I won’t dwell on the shortcomings of 2020 but will rather focus on what I am grateful for. Naturally, as you are reading this, I am grateful for you, my reader. In a day and age where people just want to scroll through IG to look at shiny things (figuratively speaking) or just watch YouTube videos because they cannot be asked to read, I am grateful to all of you whom still appreciate reading a good ‘ol fashioned blog filled with long rants, poor grammar, and crass language but also a huge love for shoes and a true desire to educate the people, both consumers and other brand owners.
Education is particularly important in a time of mass information that is spread at the speed of a few clicks. Bad information is easier to find than ever. And in 2021 it is my goal, to make more educational posts and to revamp the blog for people to be able to easily find the mass information and educarional posts that I have written over the last 10 years of writing the blog
And I will rely on all of your to help spread that information.
Thank you, as always, for your support. Truth be told, I have considered countless times stopping the writing of this blog but get a note from someone expressing their support
As I will be busy tomorrow without time to sit down and write, I am sending this early.
I wish everyone a great celebration to welcome the New Year, hopefully spent with loved ones. May everyone have a better 2021 than they did 2020.
Sincerely,
Justin FitzPatrick
Geo
It’s never the same from a year to another so, happy 2021 !!!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks Geo, HNY!
Juan Manuel Gonzales Polar
Hello Justin, thank you for your blog and the generosity to share information. I have learnt a lot from you. Best wishes for 2021!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks JM! I appreciate all of your support. Happy New Year!
D A Sheppard
The same to you Justin. I pray that 2021 will be a better year for everyone and we can contain this terrible disease that is holding us all in its grasp. Who knows, for 2021 I may even stop moaning about my two pairs of Church’s !! . Take care Sir and stay safe.
Dave.
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks for the kind words Dave! Have a great 2021!
MM
Thank you Justin. And yes, people do read your blogs. Keep them coming.
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks MM! Appreciate your support
Mark G
As someone who was reading your blog long before buying your footwear just want to say that I enjoy the writing style of information � IG and YouTube have their place but this format is where you started and what �made your name� and people still like a good read�in fact by continuing it becomes your USP and makes you stand out from the others.
2020 wasn�t all bad�the JF line launched which was good!!
Keep plodding away and here�s to 2021 having light got at the end of the tunnel!!
Justin FitzPatrick
Hey Mark, thanks for the kind words and note. Means a lot. And yes, of course, there were positives to 2020 for sure. Always something to be greatful for. Happy New Year to you and thanks again fof your support!
Juan Manuel Ballesteros Allu�
If 2021 is not better than 2020… it’ll be too bad… But I know things will improve for sure. Thanks, Justin, for your wishes and same for you and every reader and shoe nerd around here! Let’s remember that polar explorer, Shackleton’s family motto.. by endurance, we conquer!
Happy New Year to all!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks JM for all of your support throughout the years! Happy New Year to you and family! And yes, here is to a better 2021!
Juan Manuel Ballesteros Allué
If 2021 is not better than 2020… it’ll be too bad… But I know things will improve for sure. Thanks, Justin, for your wishes and same for you and every reader and shoe nerd around here! Let’s remember that polar explorer, Shackleton’s family motto.. by endurance, we conquer!
Happy New Year to all!
Nadeem Ahmed
Hey Justin,
come on, never say again that you ever think about Not Writing, please ! most of us learnt from you better than we could in a school for shoes, at least true of me.
I wish you a great and happier year ahead, with great health.
The old fashioned way is there to remain, I reckon, and all of us who read your blog, are with you, for the same cause.
Great New Year Wishes to All.
Regards,
Nadeem.
Justin FitzPatrick
Hey Nadeem, appreciate your kind words! Means a lot. I wont quit. Being a quitter is not in me. One day I will have tl retire though 😉 but that wont be so soon. Thanks for helping me keep the faith in people reading blogs still. Happy New Year to you and your family. -Justin
Derek Bostic
Happy New Year! Enjoy and be blessed!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thank you Derek and likewise!
Pierre Lenis
Justin,
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. I have learned so much since I started following your blog. I tell friends and clients to check your site and your amazing shoes! Hopefully this year I can add one of your masterpieces to my humble collection. Cheers to a great 2021!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks for saying so Pierre and all of your support. Happy New Year my friend!
J.
Dear Justin,
Just adding another note of support for you and your good ‘ol fashioned blog filled with long rants, poor grammar, and crass language 😉 While I do “blame” both you and Simon Crompton for providing me with enough information to take the plunge into my first pair of EGs and currently planning my second. It has been a joy to learn from you and watch your success grow. I still enjoy stopping by and there is always something new for me to learn. Keep up the good work and I wish you and your business continued success in 2021!
Oh and here’s a short list of things I’ve learned from your blog over the years.
BLUE SHOES ( I have the Ballard chukkas in navy scotch grain)
Boots year round
How to polish my shoes
Cheers,
Jared
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks for sharing Jared I really appreciate your support and hope that you have been enjoying your Ballards!