So, what is it about magpies?

Magpies are scrappy birds that are the unofficial mascot of my hometown of Newcastle, England.

These warbling black and white songbirds with emerald and teal plumage in their tailfeathers have been portrayed as pests in folklore.

Magpies are misunderstood beauties if you ask me.

Curious and cheeky scavengers, picking up unattended strands of pearls by open windows and silver gum wrappers off the floor to build their homes. They collect items indiscriminately simply because they sparkle in the sun.

Magpies whistle, warble, trill, and chatter constantly, unable to stop themselves singing out to each other. They are one of the only animals that have self-awareness and can recognize their own reflection.

I have felt a kinship to magpies my whole life.

I'd salute with respect and communicate to any corvid that crossed my path. I'd count each bird that perched on our washing line to serenade me with their song and recite the nursery rhyme I'd been taught as a child,

"One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl...."

A group of magpies is called a "mischief."

I want to be a part of a mischief.

Creative people need to be around other creatives to flourish.

They need feedback, encouragement, and a shoulder to cry on when things are hard from someone who understands their struggle.

Let us warble and whistle and sing each other's praises. Revel in our reflection and create a community where it's so much cooler to be warm.

With 3 Magpies Creative, let us carve out a corner of the internet to celebrate the shiny.

I hope that you will #jointhemischief