Replace Loquat's Stolen Instrument

Hello everyone! 

You probably know me as Loquat, or Angela in the default world. If you don't know me personally (this was only my second burn, after all!) it's likely that my presence at Firefly directly impacted you this year: I was the visionary and lead for VIVARIA; I made the alcohol-free soda flavors that were served at the Universe Cafe; I donated loofas to the Steam Bath; I organized and called the contra dance up at Diode in the middle of a torrential downpour. 

I also played music on my instrument by the Butterfly Bridge on Tuesday morning as some of you made your morning pilgrimage to the upper portos. And that instrument, my 120-year-old English Concertina, was taken on Thursday night of the burn this year from the Universe Cafe. 

My instrument is the way I can connect to the world, and to my communities, through music. Not only is it monetarily valuable (these instruments are one-of-a-kind, mostly old, and relatively rare), but it is also extremely personally valuable to me. When speaking to other musician friends at the burn about my stolen instrument, one jested "They may as well have stolen your arm," so much so is a musician's instrument a part of them as a person.

And, yes, I say stolen. In earlier posts, I opted to use other language with optimism that a participant may have made an honest mistake, perhaps while altered, but I don't believe this is what happened. My instrument had a tag with my name and contact info attached. It was not where I left it. It has not been found or returned. As much as I hated to do it, I have filed an official report with the Vermont State Police.

This gofundme will cover the cost of the instrument I've lost and its case. Of course, some things that are stolen, like trust, can't be replaced. My instrument was ultimately unique and can't be literally replaced. But I can use this money to invest in a new instrument for myself so that I can continue to be who I am as a person, and contributions from you all as community members will help to remind me (and others who've had things taken this year, or who are impacted and hurt by our losses) that we are a family, and that we are worthy of each others' trust, respect, and care.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing and able to pitch in, even if only small amounts. Every little bit is absolutely appreciated, and I won't be able to thank you enough.

xoxo,
Loquat