Big magic from the far North
& Rooted begins soon
Hi friends,
I hope this year has been kind to you so far, and that you’re finding moments of connection and deep rest wherever this message meets you. I know there’s so much happening in the world right now, and sometimes it feels hard to find words that are big enough for this collective moment.
Still, I wanted to share a bit of magic about how my year began. I haven’t been sharing on instagram for many, many years, so this newsletter is a bit of a photo dumb that I hope you will enjoy.
After three years of trying, I finally made it to the Isle of Lewis on the first weekend of January. It’s a remote and difficult to reach place, and in the past all my ferry crossings had been cancelled at the last minute. But this year, I made it, which honestly I couldn’t believe until I stood in the snow looking up at the full moon.
The whole island was covered in snow, it felt quiet and peaceful. There was something about the remoteness that mirrored the kind of social remoteness I felt during the pandemic and after my accident, when I spent so much time at home.
The day my friend was working I was lucky to join a small bus tour and by small, I mean it was just me and the driver. He took me all around the island, showing me these incredibly special, ancient places, and letting me take my time to really be in them.
I got to see a blackhouse, one of those simple but beautiful homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was meant to be closed for winter, but by magic the minute we got there, the people tending to it had lit a fire to clear the damp out and I was able to step in. Standing there, I felt so moved by what it means to be human. Our need for shelter, warmth, nourishment, and connection is so ancient. Those needs are so old, so universal and no new technology, no speed or progress will ever change that. Somehow, that realization felt deeply comforting. And, it breaks my heart that we still don’t seem to agree that everyone deserves to have these needs met.
Our next stop were the standing stones. As I arrived, the snow stopped falling, and when I turned around, there was a bright rainbow stretching across the sky. It was such a clear reminder of how important it is to step away from everyday life sometimes and to make space for these moments of connection with the spirit of the world.
We have always loved ritual. We have always looked to the sky for guidance.
I came home carrying that sense of hope and gentle possibility, and I want to keep it alive through the year ahead.
Over on my podcasts, I’ve shared a few new episodes that explore these themes, gentle ways to return to yourself, to reflect on your rhythms, and to dream into what’s next. I’ll link them here:
I’m also really enjoying our weekly Glimmer Sessions on Mondays. They continue to be such a grounding and beautiful touchpoint for me, and you’re still so welcome to join us.
And of course, Rooted begins on February 1st. Enrolment closes on January 25th, so there is still a bit of time. The group that’s come together so far feels incredible, and I can already sense how special this first round will be. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s a really good time as this is the last chance to come in at the founding price of £420 before it rises to £600 next year. There are sliding scale options and payment plans available.
You can find all the details for Rooted here.
Lastly, I’d love to remind you that my SpeakPipe is always open. If there’s something you’d like to ask, something you’d love me to talk about on the podcast, or just a thought you want to share, I’d really love to hear from you.
Thank you, as always, for being here. For reading, listening, and being part of this little constellation of care.
Sending love,
Yarrow
Community news
I am very excited to offer a free workshop on community building, chronic illness and leaving instagram with Keri Jarvis on The Portal, which is an incredible new space you should absolutely check out over here.
I feel very lucky to have supported Camille Sapara Barton in the past and think many of you might enjoy their upcoming course on Grief & Somatics
In April I’ll be teaching a (free to members) workshop on branding with Canva with Applied Arts Scotland - join here
A three month experience to help creative, intuitive business owners ground into their voice, their values, and a strategy that feels like home.
Includes six modules, live group coaching, rituals, guided meditations, and strategies that will transform the way you grow your livelihood.
We start on February 1st - base price is 420 GBP, sliding scale options and payment plans available!
Glimmer Sessions are gentle weekly gatherings where we come together to honor grief through creativity, ritual, and rest every Monday.
You’ll receive a guidebook with prompts and seasonal reflections to accompany our time together, and each meeting begins with a short meditation and a blessing for the week ahead.
Drop in whenever you like, come as you are (video on or off) and meet the new year with kind, like-minded people.
Our next free Spark sessions is on Sunday the 1st of February from 7-8pm UK time (here is a timezone converter).
The format will always be the same:
A warm welcome & a moment of grounding
A chat check in with everyone
Quiet time to work with the Spark session workbook, which includes journaling prompts, reflections & useful tools to help you set yourself up for the month ahead - choose your own adventure (you’ll get it on the call)
Intention setting & goodbyes
Hi, I’m Yarrow
— a web designer and tech consultant, mentor, and grief companion based in Scotland. I run two small, values-led businesses that support creative people through moments of growth, transition, and expression.
At Pinkwell Studio, I offer rooted web design and mentoring for folks building thoughtful, sustainable businesses. My approach blends technical skill with intuition and strategy — helping clients clarify their message, sort their tech out and create websites they can confidently manage themselves.
Through Glimmer Portal, I offer creative companionship for those navigating grief, loss, and transformation. I hold space through weekly sessions, 1:1 support, a self-guided course, and hand-stitched remembrance quilts. This work honours the quiet, slow, and sacred spaces where we remember and reimagine.
Both threads of my work are grounded in ritual, community care, and embodied creativity.
If you’re new here — welcome. I’m so glad you’re reading.
If you’ve been with me for a while — thank you for being part of my circle.
→ Learn more at pinkwellstudio.com + glimmerportal.com
"Standing there, I felt so moved by what it means to be human. Our need for shelter, warmth, nourishment, and connection is so ancient." - This really got me, friend. And thank you for the dreamy visuals.
What a magnificent journey thru pics!