iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 10h

“Thank God you’re always around when something stressful happens,” they say. “You’re so #calm in a crisis.” The truth is, they’d be better off staying away from me. I am the crisis. But it’s their company that calms me down. #vss365

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Mr. Bean Tries to Calm Down

ALT: Mr. Bean Tries to Calm Down

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

The new neighbour paled. “How did you do that?” Carol smiled. “Magic.” “Not gonna lie, I’m #quaking in my boots,” he said. Carol hoped that meant she’d warned him off. But something in the way he looked at her made her fear it might be quite the opposite… #vss365

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

“Carol!” said the new neighbour, leaning suggestively against the fence. “If you’re after a new victim now Lyn’s off the cards, don’t look at me,” said Carol. He laughed. “I bet you were a #siren in your day.” Carol narrowed her eyes. “Oh, it is my day.” A distant siren wailed. #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

“Thank you, Carol,” Lyn had said earlier. “I was *this* close to committing a #sin. But that hot tub has reignited my passion for John.” Now the splashes & giggles floating in from down the street made Carol wish she hadn’t intervened. She shuddered & closed the window. #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The strangest thing wasn’t Dad being on Desert #Island Discs. It was that he’d chosen a Queen song. He hated Queen. Also strangely, my violent ex had just been found dead. Wait. “Just killed a man…” I pictured Dad miles away reclining against a palm tree as By The Sleepy Lagoon faded out. #vss365

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Sprout Tree Spotted on Tropical Beach

ALT: Sprout Tree Spotted on Tropical Beach

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

“Jen’s left Rob,” said Tim. “He can’t believe it!” Laura put down the hammer. “By the time a woman sets #sail, she’s already built a boat & planned a route. I bet the signs were there.” Tim nodded. “Seen my hat?” “Here, by this boat I’m making.” “Oh yeah. What time’s dinner?” #vss365

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Enya - Sail Away (Orinoco Flow)

ALT: Enya - Sail Away (Orinoco Flow)

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

“Don’t worry, she’ll understand,” Lyn told Pauline yesterday when she said she couldn’t attend Carol’s WI meeting. This must be how that weather forecaster felt after reassuring the British public there’d be no #hurricane. “Sorry, Pauline,” she mumbled over the howling. #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

😮 Woah, didn’t see that coming! 👏👏👏

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Reposted by Natalie Reilly-Johnson

Eileen Curley Hammond @curleyhammcozy.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Gulls lined the #harbor like drunkards at last call. She shivered as she pushed through them, remembering Melanie from “The Birds.” A shot rang out, and they took flight, narrowly missing her body as it fell. She had worried about the wrong thing for the last time. #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Lily’s therapist said it wasn’t healthy to #harbour so many grudges. “Release them into the sea!” she said. Lily pictured all her enemies on boats, disappearing over the horizon. She felt lighter already. It was choppy today. Maybe some of them really were out there… #vss365

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Powerful Ocean Waves

ALT: Powerful Ocean Waves

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The full moon cast a romantic glow through the trees. She puckered up. “Now you’ve #lured me here, what will you do with me?” A wolf stepped out of the shadows & stalked towards them, yellow eyes aglow. She screamed. He stepped in front of her. “Hi, darling,” he said. “Here’s your dinner.” #vss365

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Emma gazes at the old photo of herself atop a #mountain. Now the only mountain she faces is the washing. Back then she was debating marrying Ben. Now it’s, “Wash a pair of his jeans or literally everything else?” “Marry his lanky ass,” she whispers. “Wash everything else,” the photo replies. #vss365

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Washing Machine in Action

ALT: Washing Machine in Action

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

“Imagine your problems are #clouds,” I said. “Let them drift by.” “I can’t,” she said. “My clouds won’t budge.” “Ok. Try this,” I said. “Imagine I’m not just any old therapist. I’m magic. And I’ve blown them away.” She laughed. “It was hard enough imagining you.” #vss365

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Dark Clouds: Momo'S Sound Diary

ALT: Dark Clouds: Momo'S Sound Diary

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Natalie Reilly-Johnson @natalierj.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

Thanks so much, that’s made my day. 😁

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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