mockinglybird

I'm an American in Zurich and enjoy life here in Europe. In the summer I go swimming in the river and lake a lot. Currently I'm training for my first 10K race in May. Despite this, I wouldn't categorize myself as sporty at all...

I'm a lover of fountain pens and typewriters. Pen friends who write thoughtful, long letters make me happy. I especially like getting mail art in my mail box. I have an almost 3 year old daughter who always wants to craft with me, but always makes it difficult...

My two cats Radisli and Zwiebeli (Radish and Onion) are my babies. I'm a cat lady through and through.

The cafes around my house all love me because I spend so much money on coffee. No, I'm not talking about nasty Starbucks type of coffee, but REAL, aromatic, tiny cup, coffee. mmmmm... If you send me specialty coffee beans you'll make my day!

I play bari saxophone in a wind orchestra. In the summer we have a lot of concerts and things get hectic.

Sadly, I don't get to play my piano very often. But I'd be interested in doing some composition private swaps (I studied music in college) if anyone is up to it!!!

Oh, I am TOTALLY addicted to Instagram. I'm also learning how to use a Canon A-1 film camera... After growing up on point and shoot cameras, it's really difficult to learn how to use a real camera! I dream of owning a polaroid camera... and maybe a DSLR too. :D

I speak German, so write me in German if you speak it too!

I always send my swaps on time. Please contact me before rating. if you have any issues.

Currently I'm on a print making kick. I make eraser stamps and do linoleum prints as well. Additionally I like to do Zines, make ATCs, mail art, paint, and sketch.

Recently I took a book binding class... Now ideas for an etsy store are running through my head. Bookbinding is so much fun, such a special hand craft.

Once upon a time I used to knit. Maybe I'll pick that hobby up again some time...

Absolute favorite: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

I love family epics. East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a favorite as is Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald.

Generally I read a lot, many books of different types (but not much chic lit or science fiction or fan fiction).

Don't send me tons of extras-- I live in a tiny European apartment with my husband, daughter, and two cats and don't have much room for a lot of stuff. I'd much rather get a swap that has obviously had a lot of care and effort put into it than a so-so swap with a lot of extras. I give well made and thoughtful swaps hearts, not the swaps with the most extras. :)

I prefer my postcards naked and stamped with a note telling about yourself or what's on the card. Of course, if I sign up for a swap for postcards in an envelope, that's fine too.

Here are some things I LOVE:

-art, preferably made by you

-poetry

-paper from japan or other beautiful /handmade paper (not scrapbooking paper...)

-the color green

-zines

-foxes, hedgehogs, narwhales

-art print postcards

-hand written notes

-cat toys for my two cats :)

-wierd stuff

-new hair clips

-washi tape (who doesn't???)

-saxophone or piano related stuff

-non-cheesy cat stuff

-seals for use with wax (not the animal...)

-typewriter typed notes

-surprises

I'm not such a big fan of/please don't send:

makeup/cosmetics, pink or purple, hello kitty, kawii, uber cutsey or cheesy stuff, anything that looks like a 10 year girly girl would love it, twilight or other pop culture stuff (disney etc), and any religious material.