Do you see what I see?
During the famous birthday week back in November we went into the city (like Ma and Pa Kettle) to meet some friends for Yum Cha.
During the drive, hubby said to me, Wow! Look at that!
Me: What?
Him: That! Right in front of us.
Me: I can’t see what you’re talking about
Him: Right there! (Pointing at the road ahead)
Me: Stop it! There’s nothing there.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I took a picture with my phone and I still couldn’t see it. I’m pretty sure you won’t either, so I’ve circled it for you. Ummm, how could I have missed it?
Okay – so I thought it was just a building…
…but when we pulled up further down the road I saw it was a ginormous boat
I would love to have jumped aboard that boat and gone sailing off into the sunset, but alas our friends were waiting at the Yum Cha place (and I must say it was the best Yum Cha I’ve had in ages).
Since it’s Christmas week I thought I’d leave you with a couple of nice
***Arty Bits***
The first is a cute flower I saw the other day. It looks like it’s praying.
Let’s hope it’s praying for peace on earth this Christmas (and it works)
The second is called The forest of my mind (need I say more?)
xxx Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year xxx
xxx I want to see you back here in 2016 xxx
Dianne Gray author 
Your husband has better eyes than I do. I thought it was a building too. Happy holidays to you and the family!
LikeLike
Thanks, my dear! May your holidays be filled with love, joy, loads of reading and more of that brilliant writing you do so well 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Yeah, I saw the boat. Having been from the Bay Area for so long, I am accustomed to cruise ships. Love the arty bits, but whatever in the world is Yum Cha?
LikeLike
Yum Cha is a Chinese style brunch where you get to eat loads of delicious small servings of things like prawn dumplings (my favourite) 😉
You’re very good for seeing the boat – it was a beauty! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a building! Merry Christmas to you and all those you love. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Pat! And a very Merry Christmas to you and those you love as well xxx
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to you, Dianne. Peace on earth, for sure!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loads of peace on Earth this Christmas – that’s what we are all wishing for in this amazing blogosphere 😀
Merry Christmas to you too, Laura xxxx
LikeLike
I guess it’s time to schedule my annual eye exam. To me, it looked like an airplane crashing into a building. I’m happy to know it was only a ship.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Dianne! I’ll definitely see you in 2016!
LikeLike
Haaaa! I would have been screaming if it was a plane crashing, Jill. You’re a classic!
I’m so glad I’ll see you back here in 2016 ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merry Christmas Dianne!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Denise! Merry Christmas to you too ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Hm, I guessed boat right away, then thought …nahhh….and was happy I was right! ha!
I love your arty bits. You and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a great and peaceful New Year. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
You’ve done very well picking it, Jackie! Have a wonderful Christmas, my friend xxx
LikeLike
Well, I wasn’t sure what it was! I love The forest of my mind; I think it’s a work of art and worth displaying. And I’d love to go to Yum Cha.
LikeLike
You’re so lovely, Joy – I really like the forest of my mind picture too 😀
Next time you see a Yum Cha sign, drop in to the place and try it out. Have a wonderful holiday xxx
LikeLike
Woohoo, gorgeous pix, Dianne! The boat is huge, and I don’t know Yum Cha but I looked it up and it’s Dim Sum!!! Happy happy holidays to you, my friend who is the only other person on the planet that knows Ma and Pa Kettle!
LikeLike
Haaaaa! I was wondering if anyone would pick on Ma and Pa Kettle, Luanne. I loved that show (on repeats of course) LOL
Happy Holidays to you my dear ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get this: we got to watch them at school! I’m not kidding. When it was bad weather and we couldn’t go out for recess which happened a lot in Michigan we watched Ma and Pa Kettle or The Little Rascals.
LikeLike
How cool! We just got to sit and look out the window 😮
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s cruel! They herded us into the activity room and dropped the movie screen and we sat on the floor completely enthralled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That boat was unbelievable!!
But what I loved MOST OF ALL was your artsy thingies…you have become quite the artist, Dianne…the Forest of My Mind was breathtaking…Wow!
May your 2016 bring colors of joy and happiness and may we figure out a way to live in peace in spite of our differences.
LikeLike
Peace and Joy to the world – that’s something I would love to see, Sheila ❤
I'm so glad you like that pic – it quickly became one of my favourites even before I'd finished it!
Here's wishing you and the pack at Casa de Canterbury a wonderful Christmas – love from the pack at the RUC xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recognized it as a cruise ship right away, which just goes to show how many times we’ve taken cruises for our family vacations!
Love your pictures. “The forest of my mind” is so cool and cerebral looking. Very aptly named.
LikeLike
I’ve never been on a cruise ship, Carrie 😦 You lucky thing 😉
I’m so glad you like “The forest of my mind” – I was so excited when it started to fall into place. YAY! 😀
Have a wonderful Christmas with the family and happy and safe New Year xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I missed it even with the circle 😦 I’m not very observant, it seems. Have a merry Christmas!
LikeLike
I missed it and I was sitting there, Janna! LOL
You have a wonderful Christmas as well xxxx
LikeLike
That is a massive boat. I remember the first time I saw my daughter’s warship–when she served on a Cruiser with the Navy. Those are massive. Not as pretty as this one.
LikeLike
Your daughter warship – that sounds awesome, Jacqui! 😀
LikeLike
Great photo. Those massive ships fascinate me. I’ve never taken a cruise on one– spent much time sailing smaller vessels. I have met them at night sailing offshore and it’s kind of scary. Like having a bright lit city head your way.
I hope you get a chance to get on one for a vacation.
LikeLike
I’ve never been on one, Dannie – one day when I’m rich maybe 😉
Have a wonderful Christmas xxxx
LikeLike
Happy Holidays! May the season’s best be YOURS!
LikeLike
Thanks, Nancy! You have a wonderful time as well xxxx
LikeLike
Merry Christmas! xxx
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to you too, Raphaela! xxx
LikeLike
That is one big boat. Which reminds me, we will be back up your way next June, on a boat like this one, only I suspect it won’t be quite as big as this one. Maybe we can catch up.
You are showing your age with your reference to Ma and Pa Kettle. I can remember watching them when I was young.
LikeLike
How exciting – a boat trip! I’ll try and get to catch-up with you this time. Have a great Christmas xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is exciting. Friends with whom we’ve travelled before asked us to go with them. I’m looking forward to it. There are stops in both Cairns and Port Douglas so I will let you know the dates when it’s closer. Happy Christmas to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The praying flower is the best! But so is the mind artsy one – and I can relate to the feeling of seeing these ships in person! We have family that lives in cocoa beach and to get there u pass a large port and there are many ships like these and they are floating hotels – no – floating islands! Many years ago smaller ones (still big to us) well they had very cheap day tickets where you could cruise out and come back by dinner – so fun – but long gone – now some have the gambling day cruises – free ride and free food to those that gamble – anyhow – it did look like a building
LikeLike
Some of these boats are huge, Yvette. Apparently a few days later an even larger one docked, but I rarely get into the city so I missed it.
It would be great to get a day trip on one, I’m going to check that out here 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh well keep your readers posted – in the meantime we will enjoy the artsy takes and always a few dragonflies – ha
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was with you there not seeing anything special up ahead. Great post. Have a great Christmas and New Years. 🙂
LikeLike
It was hard to see, Marsha because I wasn’t expecting to see a boat in middle of the city (LOL) 😀
You have a great Christmas and New Years as well xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too, Dianne!!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the forest of your mind! It looks like stained glass. That could be a great book cover too. I’m glad you didn’t jump on the ship because I’d miss your creature updates and artsy bits. Hope you have a fun Christmas filled with love and laughter!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Sheila. I’m really glad you like that pic because I was happy dancing when I finished it!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas as well ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought it was a building too. Wow! Love the praying flower. Have a Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Great minds think alike, Char 😉
Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful and happy New Year, my friend xxxx
LikeLike
Merry Christmas ! 🙂 I would not have known it to be a boat for nothing. :L)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right! 😀
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Clarike xxx
LikeLike
Lovely arty bits, but did you HAVE to tantalise me with that boat? 🙂 🙂
Have a beautiful time, Dianne, and yes- back in 2016 (if not before 🙂 ) Health and happiness!
LikeLike
Here’s to Health and Happiness, Jo!
(I’m still giggling about the comment on your blog where you thought I was referring to your husband when I mentioned the stick insect!) LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder where that cruise ship was headed. I don’t think I’m a cruise ship type of person (#1, I get seasick on docks, for heaven’s sake), and #2 – too many people. I prefer walking in nature, as you do, my guess is. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to hearing more about your life and times in your 2016 posts. (Oh, and your gorgeous photos.)
LikeLike
I’ve never been on a cruise ship, Pam. Last week there was a really bad storm in Sydney and 182 people were docked near the Opera House on a cruise ship. They all had food poisoning and couldn’t leave the boat because of the storms and tornadoes. At the time I thought ‘being trapped on a ship in nasty weather with food poisoning isn’t my idea of a a fun time!’ I don’t mind getting into the little dingy to go fishing in the mangroves, but the open ocean scares me a little 😉
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too, my friend! xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my – that sound horrific! Yes, we’ll vacation on beautiful solid ground. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love “The forest of your mind” image. It took my breath away, now I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say. Oh, have a joyous holiday season:-)
LikeLike
What a lovely compliment, Cocoa! Thank you so much. Wishing you a joyous holiday season too ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy holidays!
LikeLike
Happy Holidays to you too, Jay 😀
LikeLike
Awesome.
Cruise ships are enormous today. Did You knew that in Finland we have made world’s biggest Cruise ship – Allure of the Seas.
Merry Seas!
LikeLike
They’re like a floating city!
Merry Seas to you too! 😀
LikeLike
Wow to the huge boat and the nice artsy bits. And a merry Christmas to you and yours.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Cynthia! Have a wonderful Christmas filled with love and peace xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was sure that was a building and the white things on top are just a lot of communications stuff. Merry Christmas to you, too, and have a prosperous 2016.
LikeLike
I was sure it was a building as well – it’s strange how our eyes work because I didn’t expect to see a cruise ship in the middle of a city!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! xxxx
LikeLike
The Forest of My Mind – an extraordinary artwork. Beautiful and engaging.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sharon. I’m so glad you like it xxxx
LikeLike
Wow… a hotel boat. Mine is more like a tent boat, but I love it just the same – maybe more. Glad you enjoyed your meal, and keep the artsy bits coming. Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLike
I hope you’re having a beautiful day, Allen xxxxx
LikeLike
It was a lovely Christmas. Hope yours was as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That really did look like an apartment block, they are enormous, and just as enormous when you are on board. Hope you are having a lovely relaxing day Dianne. It’s been a pleasure connecting with you on WordPress. I’ll look forward to chatting in 2016.
LikeLike
I had a lovely Christmas Day, Pauline. It didn’t get off to a good start, but ended really well! 😀
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about the bad start but pleased all’s well that ended well. Best wishes for 2016… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love “forest of my mind”… I was just in the forest yesterday, but that makes me want to go back in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you had a lovely Christmas, Britt xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha – I didn’t see the ship either! Happy Christmas, Dianne.
LikeLike
I’m glad you didn’t see it either – I’m not alone! 😀 I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Susan xxxx
LikeLike
I would have said the same thing: “What? What?” 🙂 Hope you had a delicious warm Christmas!
LikeLike
I did, thank you!
Happy New Year xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least it wasn’t the P&O Pacific Eden floating disaster… http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/27/victoria-passes-legislation-limit-protests-abortion-clinics.
My sisters were on the ‘swine flu cruise’ a few tears back. They hold no attraction for me!
Nom nom… yum cha! I must buy pork buns etc next time we’re in Coffs.
The forest of your mind is wonderful… mine would currently be a wide empty expanse. The praying flower is beautiful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been on a cruise, Dale. Just the thought of being cooped up with hundreds of others on the ocean gives me the jitters!
I’m so glad you like the pics – Happy New Year! xxx
LikeLike
Hope your Christmas was terrific and the coming year full of blessings, Dianne.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Renee 😀
Blessings and love to you and yours for 2016 xxxxxx
LikeLike
My sisters both went on cruises for xmas and both had a wonderful time. Im a bit paranoid about the crowds myself and my hubs would never consider one. Love your photos and hope the New Year is going well Dianne.
LikeLike
I don’t think I’d be good on a cruise, Kath. It’s hard enough for hubby to get me in the boat to go crabbing 😉 I’m so glad your sister’ cruises went well.
New Year so far is going great xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That ship does look like a building, Dianne. I absolutely love the Forest of the Mind photo. Is that a photo?! Wow. I want to Pin it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a photo that I’ve just tweaked a bit, Amy. Are you on Pinterest? I might be (I think my daughter showed me once how to do it). If I can figure it out, I’ll pin it and friend you (how do I friend you) LOL I’m so not techo 😀
LikeLike
I’m on Pinterest! Usually you can just pin things when you have the pin button. Mine has disappeared. Oh, Dianne. I’m losing my mind. If you’re out on Pinterest, let me know and I’ll follow you! It’s actually really fun to do but quite the distraction. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Amy. I’ll try it today 😀
LikeLike
Okay – I’ve just added the button to all my posts – YAY. Thank you so much for the suggestion 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it had been a month later you could have waved to my brother and his wife who were on a cruise ship berthed in Cairns. Wasn’t a ship as big as that one though. They love cruise trips. I have yet to try one, one reason being that boats to my mind equal seasickness.Your artsy photos are lovely.
LikeLike
I’ve never been on a cruise ship because I think my stomach would complain severely! 😉
I’m really glad you like the artsy pics xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person