Why subscribe?
Welcome! My name is Mairi Bontorno, the author of “Magpie Tidings”. Like my blog of the same name, I chose Magpie from my time as an archaeology student. One of my professors told us that archaeologists are like magpies - they use and collect different technologies and methods for use in their work. I’ve always loved magpies too, so I’ve chosen the name as a good way of expressing the way I write - how many things interest me, not just one niche thing.
In the last several years, a lot of changes have come into my life, including moving (a few times), and getting married. I love to discuss life, religion and history, in person with my husband Nick, and friends; and on here through my Substack. I love diving into (mostly Scottish) history, digging up family stories, recounting my opportunities I’ve had to travel in the past several years, and other aspects of my life.
I’m so excited to use this writing platform to share my ideas and explore my creativity a bit more. If you subscribe, you’ll get a monthly post about some aspect of Scotland or England: travel, holy wells, histories, etc. You’ll also get a monthly post about my sewing creations: either something historical I’ve made in the past, or something I’m currently working on.
If you are a paid subscriber, You will get a total of four posts a month. You’ll get the above mentioned, as well as two additional posts: a poem of the month, and a post exploring the Scottish Gaelic language (of which I am a rusty speaker). I’m trying to get back into studying Gaelic, and these posts take more time and research than some of the others. That is why reserve these for paid subscribers.
I’ve been on Substack for several years now, and though it is constantly changing and morphing (sometimes to the chagrin of its users), I love this platform and have made some beautiful connections. Thank you for being here and for reading my words.
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