I live in Germany. Nice to meet you. :) In my main time, I do mineralogy / materials chemistry computer modeling. (I'm a bit of a nerd person, really. I'm the girl who sleeps through the day and spends the night in front of the computer.) I feel a deep love for mathematics. I'm currently doing my PhD, about the atomic-scale simulation of crystal dissolution. (That means, I develop algorithms to simulate how crystals dissolve when they're in contact with a fluid. Not that anybody here is interested, LOL!) I'm the tiniest bit obsessed with rocks and crystals, the occupational hazard of mineralogists, haha!

In my free time, I draw and paint (um, most of my stuff is still-life, flowers and things like that, but I also like manga and abstract art, so it's a bit of an insane mix). I started drawing first when as a teenager I got interested in reading manga and decided, hey, some day I want to be able to draw like that! XD Turns out, I'm better at painting watercolor flowers, though. I also play chess, read books (mostly fantasy and sci-fi), write poetry and short stories (and also currently a longer story, fantasy, of course) and play the piano, the clarinet and the celtic harp. (Oh, and I meet friends - of course. ^^)

As a proper nerd girl, I also go to anime/manga conventions, although I never went quite as far as to cosplay. (I'm more likely to be found in the artists' section.) I DO own medieval-style (and some historical, fantasy and steampunk on top) dresses for the appropriate fairs and concerts, though. ;) I have many hobbies and I'm basically interested in everything. Life is more fun with that kind of attitude. XD

I (obviously) love sending and receiving mail! I love reading other peoples' profiles and thinking about what to send / draw / craft for them, and I love every single nice letter and piece of art (and decorated envelopes, I LOVE them!) I've received here!

I love drawing and painting (I use watercolor, acrylics, pencil, colored pencils, copics, pastels, charcoal, ink, fineliners, screentone... anything. My main medium is watercolor.)

I make and swap ATCs frequently, also on other sites. My cards are usually hand-painted, sometimes with small applications of patterned paper, glitter, rhinestones or other decoration. I do sometimes use stickers as a part of a picture, but I don't sticker-slap and call it a card. I like stickers and other collage elements incorporated into paintings in a way that makes sense. I also like creating my own postcards.

Medieval, folk, folk-rock, celtic (I love bands like Faun, Alan Stivell, Blackmore's Night, Qntal, Helium Vola, Corvus Corax, Schandmaul, Loreena McKennitt, Hekate, Ataraxia, Aryeh Frankfurter, Elane, Annwn, Wolfenmond, ... It's definitely my favorite genre of music. I also like traditional music from other countries.)

I also listen to some rock, metal and classical music. I collect Domenico Scarlatti records and I love everything Ritchie Blackmore ever played.

Um, I'll list just some of my favorite writers, because I usually like all of their work...

Richard Morgan!!! I'm a fangirl.

Rafik Schami, Edgar Allan Poe, Jeff Noon, Patrick Rothfuss, Mark Lawrence, Yoon Ha Lee, Neal Stephenson, James Barclay, William Gibson, Joe Abercrombie, David Gemmell, Sarah Monette, Lloyd Alexander, Lynn Flewelling, Hannu Rajaniemi, Terry Pratchett, China Mieville, Stanislaw Lem, Anthony Burgess, Brent Weeks, Gabriel Garci­a Marquez, Karl Edward Wagner, Charles Stross, Glen Cook, Iain M. Banks, the Strugatsky brothers...

Yup, a rather eclectic mix. With heavy emphasis on fantasy, cyberpunk and scifi with a noir edge.

You can assume I own all the books by these authors. If you want to send me a book in a swap, I'd love anything in a similar style - and preferably newer publications (from this decade) because otherwise, the risk is fairly high I've already read them. When in doubt, ask me per PM!

Additionally, I should mention that I collect books of fairy-tales and mythology and I love every single one of them.

And I own a lot of non-fiction as well, mostly chess books and geological/mineralogical works.

Sometimes I watch soccer games. XD But that's about it. I don't even own a TV.

If you are here looking for an idea what to send to me: please keep in mind this is not a "shopping list", only a few hints about what kind of items I like! So even in a profile-based swap, you're free to send me something that's not explicitely listed, as long as you think it will suit my style and personality. Maybe with a short note why you chose this. Of course, you can also look at my Amazon and Etsy wishlists.

If you think I might really like item X and you're surprised it's not in my likes, it's probably not listed simply because I forgot or I don't know it exists. However, I'm an open-minded person and I'm on swap-bot to get to know the world. It's much more interesting to receive something I wouldn't have thought of to buy for myself. It's a wonderful feeling to open mail and see something another person has chosen (or even hand-made) carefully for me!

Also, I don't mind second-hand items, as long as they're in usable condition. (Not damaged / moldy.) In fact, I LIKE antiques. I trust you won't use this as an excuse to send junk. :)

I like all colors. My favorites are dark but intense colors like emerald green, garnet red, warm deep yellow and such. I also love earth tones, gold and silver. I prefer rich colors over pastels but I don't actually dislike any color.

• If you send to me in a postcard or "flat mail" swap: I like all the themes I mentioned below in my ATC likes, and anything related to my hobbies and interests, also on postcards. I prefer science-themed postcards unwritten in an envelope if it's not too much trouble. Even when the swap asks for "written and stamped", I will NEVER downrate for this! (Other postcards I like written on!)

• I'm always looking for unwritten (!!!) science-themed postcards (mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, geology, mineralogy, space, engineering, historical technology, sundials and star clocks, ...) in an envelope, I will send them on to my boyfriend. (He works in another city so we only see each other on the weekends. In the meantime, we send each other lots of postcards.) He puts them up on his wall, and I'd absolutely LOVE help with this project! So, please, if you have ANY unwritten science postcards lying around or you know where to find one like that... (I'm not all that interested in famous persons / scientists, though! Just the science itself.)

• I'm always interested in handmade cards, I absolutely LOVE receiving something YOU made! :)

• I collect ATCs, so making one for me would be wonderful! I especially collect the following themes: sundials (and other old technology), chess (and other board games), music, musical instruments (esp. piano and harp), minerals, crystals and rocks, geology, science, fantasy (mermaids, fairies, ...) fairy-tales, steampunk, cyberpunk, computers. I usually prefer the hand-drawn/hand-painted type, but also like well-made collage and mixed media cards.

• art supplies

• watercolor paper samples, I use a lot of it!

• I can also always use ATC blanks.

• minerals and rocks (I collect them). Also, I collect those donut-shaped rock pendants that can be worn on a cord!

• scrapbooking paper, patterned paper, origami paper.

• stickers!!! I especially love themes: science, fantasy, mermaids, fairies, magic, occult, astro theme, steampunk, vintage, nautical, ornamental, music, plants, flowers, fish, insects, birds, clocks, compass, wings, feathers, snowflakes, crystals, music, random (realistic looking) objects - actually, anything related to my interests will be appreciated! :)

• crafts supplies. I use all crafts materials on ATCs and postcards, so, nothing too chunky please. I like die-cuts, metal charms or washi tape with themes I collect. I also like unusual shaped small rhinestones (I already have the normal round ones); tiny stickers; nail stickers; nail caviar, micro beads, fimo shapes and such - I will use nail art supplies as ATC decoration!

• enamel dots / enamel shapes! I love them, I use them a lot, and they're not available (only as very expensive import items) where I live.

• anything connected to science. (Especially geology, mineralogy and astronomy, but I won't complain about other scientifical stuff either. ^^)

• anything that has to do with sundials, star-clocks, old nautical instruments, ... - I collect those! I also love old maps and star charts.

• anything that has to do with alchemy, magic and so on. "Dark" stuff is also okay. (No, I don't actually BELIEVE in that kind of thing. I just like the theme!)

• anything that has to do with chess

• anything connected with fantasy and mythology. I really like mermaids!

• tea! (Both loose tea and tea bags are wonderful.) A list of my favorite tea sorts I had so far is below.

• local specialties (food only available in your country or even only in your town? I'd love to try it!)

• anything (!) with cloudberry flavor. I love cloudberries and can't get cloudberry flavored food items where I live.

• a nice surprise (Something you think I might like - I most likely will LOVE it!) I love receiving items I previously didn't know existed. So I'd love you to send me something that's not specifically mentioned in this list, but of which you have the feeling I might like it.

• any and all handmade things, I appreciate them a lot!

This is a list of items I don't like so much - it's not that I hate them (except the last point, LOL), it's just that I don't use them so often and these items would be simply wasted on me. If I receive something on this list, I will probably pass it to another person who will love it more. I'm aware these items are not "crappy" and that other people like them a lot!

• home decoration, candles, kitchen items and such - I should probably mention that I don't do "nice home" things at all; as your stereotypical programmer I have a room with a mattress on the floor, a chair and table (in proper style, saved from bulk garbage), and a (very nice) computer, and some piles of books and scattered art supplies, and I'm perfectly happy with that arrangement. Any kitchen stuff will be immediately handed over to my boyfriend.

• fabrics, yarns, knitting, and embroidery supplies (I like the finished results if you make them, but I don't do this kind of art at all, and yes I've tried, so it would be pointless to send supplies to me!)

• souvenir magnets, I received a lot of them, and while I like them, I'm running out of places to put them

• earrings (can't wear them); too-big bracelets and rings (I tend to lose them, I have VERY thin arms and fingers); jewellery containing nickel (I'm slightly allergic)

• very chunky scrapbooking supplies (please keep in mind that I tend to use my crafts supplies on ATCs and postcards!), buttons, ribbons, brads, tags

• holiday items (christmas, easter, ...) - I love christmas but I don't decorate for the occasion

• When it comes to stickers: I don't really have a use for kiddie stickers, "inspirational quotes" and other words/texts, planner stickers, smileys and teacher/reward stickers.

• religious items and propaganda. Postcards of churches, classical art, etc. are of course okay and very interesting, from the historical point of view. I'm just not going to be converted... And some of the stuff I've received - like "pray the gay away" pamphlets - are downright offensive. I don't deal well with hatred disguised as "morals". Never mind that I'm cis and hetero so there's not even a "religious-logical" explanation for sending me that kind of stuff unless you believe too much math does things to a girl's sexuality or something. sighs Please, just don't! Same goes for racist stuff. I'll never understand that way of thinking and tbh I don't really want to.

This is an alphabetical list of teas I received in swaps and liked a lot! I'm not including the "standard" flavors (pure black, pure green, earl grey) because I always like them, no matter which brand. :) Also, if a tea is not on this list, it doesn't mean I don't like it! I either don't know it yet or it's not among my favorites of favorites - but I have so far never received a tea I really didn't like. :) So this list is just supposed to help you if you're wondering about my absolute faves. ^^

ADAM: Luscious Peach Tea

Ahmad Tea: Vanilla Tranquility, Mango Magic

Albert Heijn: zwarte thee mango

Akbar: Peach flavoured black tea, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach&Passion Punch, Vanilla Twilight

Apotheke: goji berry and mango

artı: black tea with strawberry

Ashbys: Apricot Tea, Ginger Peach Tea

Basilur: Green Tea Wild Strawberry, Cream Fantasy, White Magic Milk Oolong Tea, Black Tea Strawberry&Kiwi, Black Tea Exotic, Black Tea Lemon&Lime, Black Tea Strawberry&Cream, Black Tea Mango&Pineapple, Frosty Afternoon

Bigelow: Salted Caramel, Caramel Chai, Spiced Chai, Vanilla Chai, Vanilla Caramel, French Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cider, Orange&Spice, White Chocolate Obsession

BOH Seri Songket: Mango flavoured tea, Lemon with mandarine flavoured tea

ColorsTea: Té Verde Uva, Té Verde Frutos Rojos, Té Verde Piña, Té Verde Guanábana

CURTIS: truffle black tea, creamy praline black tea, Orange & Chocolate black tea

Davenport: Té de fresa & vainilla

doğadan: Ayvalı Ihlamur

Dynasty: Brown Rice Tea

Elephant: pomme cannelle

English Tea Shop: White Tea, White Tea Blueberry&Elderflower

Fruit Garden: Wild Strawberry Green Tea

Good Earth: mango me crazy white tea, sweet&spicy

HEWA: Apricot Strawberry & Orange, Oolong Milk

Impra: Caramel Green Tea

Fantastic Tea: Jahoda&Ginkgo

Good Earth: wild chaild

Greenfield: Vanilla Wave, Vanilla Cranberry, Honey Linden, Easter Cheer, Milky Oolong, Strawberry Gourmet

HEIMBS: Indien Chai

Higher Living: Green Tea Chai

Krocus Kozanis: Saffron Green Tea with Ginger & Liquorice, Herbal tea with Honey, Orange & Saffron

Kruidvat: Warming

KWF Montea: Ti Kuan Yin

LEROS: Černý čaj Karamelo

Lipton: Green Tea Orient

Mistral: Pear&Caramel

Organic India: Tulsi Masala Chai

Pangea Tea: mango black tea

Pickwick: Caramelised Pear

Princess Noori: black tea with berry flavor

Pukka: Revitalise, original chai

Qualitea: Vanilla Tea, Caramel Tea, Strawberry Tea, Rum tea, Orange Mandarine Tea

RedRose: Sunset Spice

rishi: Chocolate Cinnamon

Riston: Strawberry Black Tea, Blackcurrant Black Tea, Sicilian Orange Black Tea, Green Exotic, Lemon Black Tea

Shoti Maa: In Liebe

Stash: peach black tea, white peach oolong tea, double spice chai, chai white tea, gold cup chai, coconut mango wuyi oolong tea, ginger peach green tea, maple apple cider, orange spice black tea

Steuarts Tea: apple

Taylors: Green Tea with Grapefruit&Lime

Tazo: organic sultry strawberry, wild sweet orange, organic peach cobbler, apricot vanilla creme, berryblossom white, pumpkin spice, vanilla caramel chai, organic chai

TenRen: Chrysanthemum Tea

Tess: Daisy, Caramel Charm, Lime green tea

Triple Leaf Brand: Oolong Tea

TWG Tea: 1837 Black Tea

Twinings: Strawberry&Mango, Spicy Chai, Velvety Vanilla Flavour Chai Latte, Plummy Earl Grey, Chai Spiced Apple, Söder Te

VeltaTea: Černý čaj s příchutí Jahoda (strawberry black tea)

Victorian: Cloudberry Tea, Sea-Buckthorn Tea