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Natalie Reilly-Johnson

@natalierj.bsky.social

389 followers 133 following 992 posts

Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Writer

Posts Replies Media

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 11h

Next door’s cat was in Pip’s garden again, taunting him as he passed on the lead. “Misty!” Pauline called over the fence. “Sorry, Carol. She prefers your place. I’ll have to #bequest her to you when I die.” Carol laughed nervously. Misty’s smirk said, “Hey, roomie!” Pip howled. #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I used to love a last-minute #reprieve. The text message cancelling a social plan. Then I could slip guilt-free into my pyjamas & watch TV. But the reprieves kept coming. Again & again. Until there were no plans left to cancel. I don’t miss going out. But I do miss escaping it. #vss365

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Crushed It: Man Says YES

ALT: Crushed It: Man Says YES

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

They promised her that emptying herself of food, softness & colour would empty her of stress & uncertainty. She’d gain #purity & control. It was all a lie, hollow as glass. In her dreams, she floats among rainbows, drinking in their colours to gain with warmth & strength. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

To Carol’s relief, the new neighbour was so confused to see her in the café instead of Lyn, that he forgot to try & hug her. “Lyn #renounces her engagements with you,” Carol said. “She & John are installing a hot tub so she won’t have time.” “Hot tub?” “Yes. To each their own, I suppose…” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The wilted plant had flourished back in the heyday of their relationship. It was as if their love had #nurtured it, & now it was dying. “Shall we throw it away?” she said. He kissed her. “No.” The plant sighed, relieved. But they went off to bed. “Wait!” it croaked, “I still need water!” #vss365

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Wilting Plant Time-Lapse

ALT: Wilting Plant Time-Lapse

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

“Close your eyes & stand up when you #reckon an hour’s passed,” said the teacher. Soon my peers’ chairs were scraping as they stood. I laughed to myself. They were way off! When I got to my feet they’d all gone. “The old lady woke up!” came an unfamiliar child’s voice. #vss365

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Minori Hanasato's Happy Smile

ALT: Minori Hanasato's Happy Smile

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“Wow,” Lyn laughed. “You guys are wild!” “And sometimes…” Carol continued, “we go to M&S to do a do the food shop.” Lyn gasped. “That’s nuts. It’s expensive in there.” “And if we’re really in the mood for danger, we even go… while we’re #hungry.” “Steady on, Carol!” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Lyn sighed. “Nothing’s happened. Yet. It’s just… I need some #passion! And I’m not getting it from John.” “Want to know what works for me & Ian?” Carol whispered. “Every Tuesday we…” “No!” “… go to the tip.” “What?” “I’m telling you. The way he sorts the recycling…” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I often think of the passengers whose names were called on our flight to Spain. They’d failed to #embark the plane. What happened between check-in & boarding? Did they fall ill? Get bad news? I prefer to imagine they were just in the airport bar, so happy-drunk they didn’t need a holiday. #vss365

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Sparkling Drink at United Club

ALT: Sparkling Drink at United Club

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Jess found her husband’s bike training schedule. Weirdly, he trained around the weather, planning long cycles for #stormy days. Wait. That wasn’t the weather. It was her menstrual cycle. Luckily, today the weather was in sync. She’d say it must have been the wind that blew him off… #vss365

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Professional Cyclist in BMC Jersey with Number 41

ALT: Professional Cyclist in BMC Jersey with Number 41

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The cleaner has become a bigger source of #conflict in our family than the cleaning ever was. She moves stuff. It’s awkward to tell her if she does a bad job. We have to tidy before she comes. Her rates keep going up. But we can’t sack her. She knows too much now... #vss365

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Cleaning Day Dance with Broom Koste

ALT: Cleaning Day Dance with Broom Koste

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

We paused our nightly Marvel film viewing for one night only this week, to watch 70 Up. If you’re in the UK, you’ll know it. It made me reflect on the #marvel of the ordinary. Ordinary people living ordinary lives. More powerful & interesting than any super hero story. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

“I should warn you,” said the Estate Agent. “It’s haunted.” The couple shrugged. She unlocked the door. “Go ahead & #explore. See if you can picture yourselves living here.” “Great!” said the couple. “I was talking to the ghosts…” An icy shiver ran down their spines. #vss365

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ALT: Haunted House

Reposted by Natalie Reilly-Johnson

Eileen Curley Hammond @curleyhammcozy.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

She took the tunnel to the left but it was blocked, so she backtracked and went right. She checked GPS. The mass was around the next corner. A black pulsating orb greeted her #exploration. The laser made quick work of it, and she walked out his nose. “Thanks, Doc, much better.” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It started with a slight twitch at the edge of her mouth. It was wavering. For 50 years she’d held it there, stretched tight across her face. But now… she couldn’t #sustain that smile any longer. And the funny thing was, the instant she let it slide, she felt happier. #vss365

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Woman's Unimpressed Straight Face Look

ALT: Woman's Unimpressed Straight Face Look

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

It was Ann who’d started the trend for making toasts that didn’t match the occasion. She’d raised her glass at a wedding. “Let the battle #commence!” So it was only fitting at her funeral that cries of, “Come on you reds!” & “Bravo!” rang out. Especially as they came from the grave... #vss365

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Christiani Pitts: Cheers! I'll Drink To That!

ALT: Christiani Pitts: Cheers! I'll Drink To That!

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I tend to skip #autumnal trends, but this year I couldn’t resist a brown silk skirt with white polka dots. The reason just dawned on me. My inner 14-yr-old still covets the iconic Pretty Woman polo dress! Hopefully this signals a transformative, rags-to-riches autumn... #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The new girl at work told me all about the people who had treated her badly: partners, friends, bosses. “How are you still so #sanguine?” I said. She leaned in. “Let’s just say none of them have been seen since. Coffee?” I gulped. I didn’t like coffee, but… “Sure.” #vss365

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Happy Coffee Cup Winks

ALT: Happy Coffee Cup Winks

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Unsurprisingly, by the next pub quiz, it was all over with Dodge. “This is Dan,” said Deb. “He has a Ph.D!” “Great,” said Ian. “The music round’s our weakness. Hope you can help!” “Sorry, my knowledge is purely #esoteric,” said Dan. Deb frowned. “Never heard of them. Are they a new band?” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. There was no way Tom wrote Barbara’s eulogy. He just wasn’t that #eloquent. But she was. “Did Barb write her own eulogy?” I whispered. “No,” he said. “I just channelled her.” Then he leaned in. “And she told me what you did.” #vss365

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Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Cemetery Funeral

ALT: Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Cemetery Funeral

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

“Well, what are we waiting for. Let’s go!” “Hang on. How #naive do you think I am? I know your game!” “You do?” “You’re just trying to get us out of here so you don’t have to buy dessert.” “Um… busted!” “Can’t pull the wool over my eyes, pal. Now, where are these woods?” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We called them melanges: the random concoctions the kids made when we met up with friends. Marmite, mud & ketchup, anyone? It kept them quiet. But we did have to taste it. “Ew!” I said once, mouth full of gloop. “Worst #melange ever!” “That’s my mum’s stew,” Fin said. #vss365

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Animated Curry Stew Pot

ALT: Animated Curry Stew Pot

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

“Anyway,” said Lyn breezily, “I’d best be getting on. I’m meeting a friend & need to do my makeup…” Carol raised an eyebrow. “Makeup?” “What?” said Lyn. “I wear it sometimes!” “You’re meeting the new neighbour, aren’t you?” Lyn sighed. “How…?” “#intuition,” said Carol. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I gazed across the #moonglade, contemplating my impending menopause. Might something magical await me on the other side of that golden path? “Out the way, old lady!” A man swerved past me. I shot him a look of rage & he promptly fell off his bike. The moonglade glistened. #vss365

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Full Moon Over Water at Night

ALT: Full Moon Over Water at Night

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

As kids, we’d recorded ourselves talking over Dad’s old music tape. Now & then there’s a click & a blast of Led Zeppelin before our voices cut back in. Now I record it on my iPhone, adding our background noise to the #palimpsest. Re-playing it, faint screams echo from the future... #vss365

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Memorex Mixtape Audio Tape

ALT: Memorex Mixtape Audio Tape

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Carol dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “Is there anything that man isn’t #adroit at?” Lyn gazed wistfully out the window. “No…” she sighed. Then shook herself & started washing up. “I mean, I dunno. Probably.” “Hmm,” said Carol, watching as a blush spread across Lyn’s cheeks. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

It’s tradition on holiday for Jon to head out to #reconnoiter or “recce” the area while his wife unpacks. Really he has a pint in the local pub, usually full of men doing the same. “Wonder why that pub’s called The Recce?” says his wife now. He blinks. “No idea love!” #vss365

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Brahmanandam Cheers

ALT: Brahmanandam Cheers

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The exhibition featured random items of clothing found in the area, with fun tales about each one. “Not how any of it happened!” said a woman, stroking the A-line #silhouette skirt. She wore only underwear & 1 shoe. “I’ll get dressed. Then I’ll tell you everything…” #vss365

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Cinderella's Lost Black Ballet Flat Shoe

ALT: Cinderella's Lost Black Ballet Flat Shoe

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

On my first day at the school of magic, I was nervous. “Here, get this down you,” said Witch Agnes. I took a sip & an immediate calm fell over me. “Wow,” I said. “I can’t wait to learn how to conjure up this #elixir.” She cackled. “Oh that? That’s just good old-fashioned tea.” #vss365

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Wicked Witch Happy

ALT: Wicked Witch Happy

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Things that do not #console a querying author #26: “At least you wrote a book. Most people can’t say that!” Although it has given me a motive. For the next book, I mean… #vss365

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ALT: Horror Murder

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Book Club was getting heated again… “The protagonist was so evil I couldn’t be #empathetic towards her,” Mel said. “I was rooting for her,” said Barb. “Sometimes murder is necessary.” “But all they did was disagree with her!” Barb reached for the knife. “Indeed… More cake?” #vss365

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Slicing Delicious Cheese Pound Cake

ALT: Slicing Delicious Cheese Pound Cake

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

When customers came into the salon, they sighed with relief to find a new girl, Alice, working there. “Lucy always burned my brows!” they all said. “Don’t worry, I promise not to do that,” Alice said softly. Then, as the #wax dripped off the spatula, “I much prefer burning eyelids…” #vss365

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Melissa B Prepares Wax for Beauty Treatment

ALT: Melissa B Prepares Wax for Beauty Treatment

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Gran used to joke that she was a witch. Once, I saw her putting the #broom back in the cupboard in the middle of the night, her hair windswept. It was probably nothing, but I did think it strange when she left me that broom in her Will. Lately, I swear I hear it calling my name at night. #vss365

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Halloween Magic Broom with Flying Stars

ALT: Halloween Magic Broom with Flying Stars

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

All her life she’d hidden her iron fist inside a velvet #glove. It made other people comfortable. Menopause wore the velvet away. “You’re not yourself!” they lamented. On the contrary. She was only just becoming herself. She stroked the gleaming iron & smiled. #vss365

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ALT: Iron Fist Glow

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The box of tissues felt like an invitation to cry. She wasn’t going to do that, however intense the therapy got. No way. But she wasn’t one to pass up a freebie, so she took a #tissue at the end of each session. Now she had enough to see a sad film. That’s why she was crying. Honest. #vss365

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Shikanoko Reaches for a Tissue

ALT: Shikanoko Reaches for a Tissue

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Meg believed in being honest with her kids. “There is no tooth fairy,” she said. “It’s just parents pretending.” Her daughter, Ella, frowned. “Then how come I found this coin under my #pillow this morning and my tooth has gone?” Meg paled. Ella smiled. It was magical when they believed… #vss365

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Little Girl's Happy, Excited Smile

ALT: Little Girl's Happy, Excited Smile

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

You know the #poster. We all had it. When I was going through a tough time, I’d look at that guy & think, if he can hold those tyres for that long, I can get through this. Here it is among my old stuff! Can he help me through my midlife woes, too? Oh. He’s dropped them. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Despite herself, Carol had to investigate. Sure enough, Lyn had just put the kettle on, & what’s more, she’d baked a Victoria #Sponge. It was delicious. “Nice eh? The new neighbour gave me the recipe,” said Lyn. Carol groaned but took another huge bite. Of course he did… #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The rotary phone gave a shrill double ring. “Hello? Of course she’s listening,” Mum smiled, looking at me. Then she tucked the receiver under her chin as she stretched the #cord into the hall & wedged the door shut. When it opened again, nothing would ever be the same. #vss365

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Vintage Rotary Phone: The 1870s 'Video Chat'

ALT: Vintage Rotary Phone: The 1870s 'Video Chat'

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

“I can’t decide,” said Paul. “I like them all.” “Roll a die,” Ben said. “See if you’re disappointed with who it lands on.” “2. Jen.” Paul frowned. “No. Thanks mate!” “ #Dice lore will make you pay though…” Jen threw the die at Paul, & 2 angry dots bloomed on his face. #vss365

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Rotating White Dice with Black Dots

ALT: Rotating White Dice with Black Dots

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

“I’ve perfected the art of this now,” I laugh as I wriggle beneath the #towel to get into my bikini. She pats her one-piece pointedly. “Isn’t it time for something more… age appropriate?” “You’re right,” I say, throwing my bikini on the sand. Then I let the towel drop. #vss365

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Green Checkered Beach Towel on Rocks

ALT: Green Checkered Beach Towel on Rocks

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

“ #Razor-sharp,” read the quote on the cover of Dan’s debut novel. He ran a proud finger over his name, & winced as the dust jacket sliced it open. Blood bloomed across the title. He frowned. Maybe that quote wasn’t praise for his writing. Even better: it was a warning. #vss365

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ALT: Book Monster

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The new neighbour laughed. “Oh, lighten up, Carol! Why don’t you pop over to Lyn’s for a cuppa? That should chill you out a bit. She’s just this second put the #kettle on.” “Wait. How do you…?” The new neighbour chuckled & pointed to his ear as he walked away. #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Carol cornered the new neighbour. “What #soap do you use to keep your hands so soft?” “Same as you.” She paled. Could he see into her house too? “How do you…?” “I can smell it.” Carol nodded, impressed. Excellent nose. And taste. “Worth a hug?” he tried. “Absolutely not!” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Typical! A head-lice outbreak on Liz’s 1st day working at the school. “I’ve searched the place with a fine-toothed #comb,” she said, “but I can’t find the…” “…fine-toothed comb?” The teacher took it from her hand. Liz scratched her head. “We’d better check your hair first…” #vss365

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Woman's Horrified Reaction to Lice Scare

ALT: Woman's Horrified Reaction to Lice Scare

Reposted by Natalie Reilly-Johnson

Eileen Curley Hammond @curleyhammcozy.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

She tried to stretch. “Ow.” Her hand hit a barrier. She tried the other side. Same thing. The air was getting stale. She was wearing something sparkly—and were those heels? Something shifted. An eye peered. “Ahh. The latest edition to my #matchbox collection.” #vss365

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The manuscript was heavy in his hands. This, the only copy in existence, was the result of his life’s work. Complete at last. His fingers traced the final words: The End. He sighed and took out the #matchbox. Such a waste of time. #vss365

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Match Ignites in American Gods

ALT: Match Ignites in American Gods

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Ruth’s horror novel was set on a creepy #remote island: no neighbours, no signal, no hope of rescue. She re-read the chapter in a packed café, amid the online meetings, shrieking kids & barking dogs. No, the location was too idyllic. She moved the murders to the café. #vss365

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Good Morning Coffee Pour

ALT: Good Morning Coffee Pour

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

It was an integral part of a hangover: waking up #ashamed, before you’d even remembered what you’d said or done. These new pills erase that, though. In fact, I pop one every day now. My work colleagues are staring at me again. “What?!” I say, & stride to my desk, naked. #vss365

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Jim Halpert's Iconic Face from The Office

ALT: Jim Halpert's Iconic Face from The Office

Reposted by Natalie Reilly-Johnson

Monique @starfish72.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Hi writers! I'm Monique, and I'll be your #vss365 host for August 16-31, 2026, following the mesmerising @bethcgreenberg.com. As most of you know, I like simplicity and my prompts will reflect this. Enjoy! My prompts will be posted at 08:00 am GMT. See you soon!

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ALT: Waving Joy