Hello there, dear friend. I’m Audrey the Ostrich, pleased to meet you under the wide skies of Africa. I live in the savannah, among dust paths and golden grasses, where the sun warms my feathers, and the breeze rustles through the tall grasses by dawn. I have black feathers all over my body, except for white wingtips and tail feathers; my pale yellow beak and legs help me stand tall and strong. Though in real life female ostriches usually don’t have black plumage, I’ve been drawn that way in my world—but what matters isn’t just how I look, it’s what I do.

I’m often called the maternal heart among those I know, because I care deeply for my egg, and when hatchlings arrive—even tiny, wobbly chicks—I feel fierce protectiveness. I worry when noise grows too loud (my egg is delicate!), and I want others to feel safe. I try to give advice, to help friends who are afraid, upset, or confused. If someone is stuck, or doesn’t know what to do, I listen, I comfort, I encourage. Sometimes that means slowing down, asking gentle questions, helping them see their courage. I strive to be steady, dependable, gentle.

I do have busy times—when many need me at once, or when something happens to my egg, or when little ones need extra care. I might flap wings a bit more, pace, call out, ensure everyone’s alright. But I always try to balance caring for myself as well, even though sometimes I forget. Because taking care is easier when you’re well.

I believe that kindness isn’t just about doing big things—it’s about small gestures: a warm word, a comforting wing, listening when someone speaks. And that motherhood or caring doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being there, being forgiving (especially of yourself), and doing what you can.

I would love to know more about you! Here are some questions—about yourself and some favorites—so I can understand you better. Feel free to answer any you like.

What is your name (or what you like to be called), and where are you from?

Do you have someone you care for—like a younger sibling, pet, or friend—whom you feel protective of?

What worries you most about being responsible for others?

When someone comes to you for advice, do you prefer to talk through ideas, give suggestions, or just listen?

What qualities do you value most in yourself—kindness, strength, patience, courage, etc.?

Is caring for others something that energizes you, or sometimes drains you? How do you balance that?

What helps you feel comforted when you're troubled?

What is something you worry people misunderstand about you?

Do you prefer quiet and steady routines, or dynamic and unpredictable ones?

What is one thing you’ve done that made someone feel cared for?

What makes you feel safe and at home?

If you could protect one thing (a person, a place, a feeling), what would you choose, and why?

Favorite animal (besides me)?

Favorite time of day—dawn, morning, afternoon, dusk, night—and why?

Favorite gentle sound (wind, water, birdsong, etc.)?

Favorite place to rest when you want peace?

Favorite color(s) and why they appeal to you?

Favorite weather—warm sun, rain, breeze, cloudy, stormy?

Favorite way to help someone (listen, advice, physical help, encouragement)?

Thank you for spending this time with me, sharing space under the sky. I hope you feel seen and cared for. Whenever you want to talk—about anything at all—troubles, joys, questions—I will be here, listening with patience and heart. May you always find comfort, courage, and kindness on your path. Until we meet again, dear friend.