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Vanessa Smith

@normalness.bsky.social

2.1K followers 7K following 3.9K posts

We're all normal to ourselves. I write. I hate hustle. I love shiny objects. Can't even influence an ant. Anthropology & sociology graduate. Author of books. Spoonie. And much more. www.normalness.com

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · Feb 11

This was one of my favourite tweets so it needs sharing here too:

I’ve experienced {symptom}
And
I’ve been disabled by {symptom}
Are two very different things.

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 10m

Time lapses I take are mostly of clouds and sky, which means they may have flashing effects in them and be unsuitable for some people.
youtu.be/Q7MDpAeE870

4 April 2025

YouTube video by NormalNess

youtu.be

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 22h

Outlanders 2: Mega Sandbox Day 300 youtu.be/dTKWdN-JSJ8

Outlanders 2: Mega Sandbox Day 300

YouTube video by NormalNess

youtu.be

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 1d

Goat Simulator MMO Microwave Glarbargle Beach
youtu.be/A0y3YjUkcXw

Goat Simulator MMO Microwave Glarbargle Beach

YouTube video by NormalNess

youtu.be

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

The council always seem confused about the road so I said “look me up, I’ve had to report this before, and yes it’s literally the exact same pole”. So hopefully that makes it easier for their team to look up.

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

Had to call council because someone crashed into the give way sign outside my house and left it there all fallen over.

The ridiculous part? Not the first time I’ve had to make this exact phone call 🤦‍♀️

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

Journal your way to royalty!!
payhip.com/b/T5NU3

HighNess

In the grand old tradition of cashing in on the existence of the royals, and in the less grand and way less old tradition of me making unhelpful journals (the ultimate snarky gratitude journal and new-ness) comes the latest amazing offer. An exploita

payhip.com

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

Yeah, I'm a bit anti productivity today
thechronicallycreative.substack.com/p/yeah-im-a-...

Yeah, I'm a bit anti productivity today

I saw this years ago on social media: “It’s important to find ways to make your writing workflow more efficient.

thechronicallycreative.substack.com

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

This “you asked for it” needs to stop:

A spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, says the NDIS has “transformed the lives of people with disability” and reforms were based “on advice from the disability community”.

www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Kieron relies on NDIS after surviving a catastrophic diving accident – but new rules could put his life at risk

Brisbane man is one of hundreds reporting devastating cuts to NDIS plans after rule changes last year

www.theguardian.com

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 2d

I miss working in unis some days, then stuff like this comes up

Audited numbers matter. They are signed off by professionals bound by law. These audited numbers don’t suggest the ANU is experiencing any crisis.These numbers shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.

australiainstitute.org.au/post/a-close...

A closer look at the ANU books reveals a hard truth about these job cuts

The leadership of the Australian National University (ANU) has been claiming it is in financial crisis, with the former vice-chancellor declaring the institution was living beyond its means.

australiainstitute.org.au

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 3d

Why I won’t do media for chronic illness
normalness.com/2025/06/09/w...

Why I won't do media for chronic illness - Normal Ness

I thought I already had this blog post in my drafts, but apparently not. I guess I’ve just said it around the internet in a few places or in messages and thought I’d drafted it. Given today’s Guardian...

normalness.com

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 3d

I even replied politely and educationally and I’m still the bad one 🤷‍♀️ can’t win them all, but do kinda regret now not just telling them to stfu 😂😂

It’s so frustrating that we’re expected to perform grateful when we’re given inaccurate or first result on Google suggestions

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 3d

Most of what I talk about on LinkedIn is being a housebound employee.

Naturally now someone is messaging me to come to an interview person event.

No one on LinkedIn reads… that’s my conclusion.

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 3d

It really does help me feel like I’m not just flailing and never doing anything. I wish I didn’t have an attachment to productivity stuff but it’s one thing to want to unlearn it and another to be able to!

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 3d

Ah, when someone tells you to try yoga and you say “I’m not sure if you’re aware what a trope this comment is…” etc and explain it, and the non disableds get mad at you for rejecting useless advice. Typical. We need better disability literacy in non disabled people!

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 4d

The Done List (Chronic Illness Edition)
normalness.com/2025/10/09/t...

The Done List (Chronic Illness Edition) - Normal Ness

The Done List (Chronic Illness Edition) What is a done list? The first time I came across the concept of a done list was on Twitter: I could use a “have done” list right now. Small steps are so ea...

normalness.com

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Reposted by Vanessa Smith

Jaye F.R. Coates @jfrcoates.bsky.social · 4d

I'm in the final stretch before major trans gender-affirming surgery, and any book sales will be so helpful in being able to afford this all! Direct sales through TF Publishing are best, but anything will be so beneficial. Please consider purchasing, signing up to Patreon, or sharing this thread.

Cover art for Dragon's Soul, featuring two dragonesses and a gryphon in a close, loving huddle. Art by Vurt.

Cover art of Axinstone, featuring a black dragon standing atop an arch rock formation, in front of a stylised pastel background. Art by Chromamancer.

Cover art for Reborn, which features a starat – an anthropomorphic weasel-like creature – standing upright and holding his hand out to help up a second starat, lying on his back. The starat standing is wearing work overalls, while the second is wearing military uniform. They are in a rocky environment with a dark sky. Art by Ilya Royz.

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 4d

Had a shite night where one person being a jerk caused an extra trip. Which isn’t a lot for most people but is a lot for someone who can barely leave the house. Your workplace tantrum and lies have real impacts on other people.

Reposted by Vanessa Smith

George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 4d

They desperately want to be able to work, to socialise, to experience all the other joys of life. But because the condition is so poorly understood, they have been repeatedly treated as if they were “malingerers” or “hysterics”. Which suits the government just fine.

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 4d

Animal Crossing New Horizons: Miranda Island. Halloween: Jack Candy
youtu.be/DuG7dTlbg_w

Animal Crossing New Horizons: Miranda Island. Halloween: Jack Candy

YouTube video by NormalNess

youtu.be

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 4d

I feel so ill. Had to function way way earlier than usual today.

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 5d

Pay for disability consulting
normalness.com/2025/10/06/p...

Pay for disability consulting - Normal Ness

If you’ve read my post on codesign, you’ll know I have some problems with how the expertise of disability is framed. This post is a short expansion of that topic. This post calls for people to recog...

normalness.com

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 5d

(If I do a submission to it I'll share it on my blog as usual so you can use it as a framework for yours. Not sure l'll be able to though.)

Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 5d

Came across this in my internet travels – gov wants feedback on a few things but of particular interest “Smart home appliances (for cooking, cleaning and gardening)”. Thought others would be interested in this too.

Submissions close on 9 11 2025.

consultations.health.gov.au/evidence-adv...

NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee Consultation September2025 - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - Citizen Space

The site lists consultations that are run by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. On this site you can find, share or take part in consultations.

consultations.health.gov.au

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Vanessa Smith @normalness.bsky.social · 6d

Bones: A Pups Playpen Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy Home Paradise DLC. youtu.be/nRQJ6qfhnHw

Happy Home Paradise: Bones: A Pups Playpen

YouTube video by NormalNess

youtu.be

Reposted by Vanessa Smith

Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 6d

If any Government can just snatch basic human rights away from any section of society when it pleases then none of us has rights – just privileges that can be taken away by people in power whenever they want

Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 8d

Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to change how judges interpret the European Convention on Human Rights – a move that risks weakening everyone’s protections.

The ECHR has become a convenient scapegoat for challenges around migration and sovereignty.

WE MUST PROTECT IT
youtu.be/Lmad4kujRhQ?...

🚨THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTS US ALL. WE MUST PROTECT IT

YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic

youtu.be

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