Written Waves - August 2026: The rhythm of reflection

Exploring spatial and human geography

Through his unique perspective, Bert Russell invites readers to explore the intricate connections between spatial and human geography. This August edition features captivating stories that illustrate how our environments shape our lives and how our interactions define the landscapes around us. Delve into observations that reveal the hidden beauty and complexity of the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for both natural and human elements.

WRITTEN WAVES 

The People Behind the Emails

August 5, 2026 @ 1:29 PM

It's interesting how many new faces we meet from outside companies within our industry without ever actually seeing them.

We exchange emails every day, every week, or every month. We solve problems together, answer questions, and keep business moving. Yet, we have no idea who they really are beyond the words on a screen.

Over time, though, something unexpected happens. You begin to recognize personalities. You learn who's patient, who's direct, who's quick to respond, who's always willing to help, and who's constantly under pressure. Their writing becomes their voice.

Sometimes I wonder what they look like or how they act when they leave work. Are they tall or short? Quiet or outgoing? Do they love what they do, or are they simply counting the hours until the weekend? Are they respected by those around them? Do they laugh often? Do they carry burdens no one at work ever sees?

Our minds naturally fill in the blanks. We create an image from nothing more than a signature, a writing style, and a handful of conversations.

Most of the time, imagination is all we ever get.

Then, every once in a while, life gives you the chance to meet one of those people in person. Sometimes they're exactly as you imagined. More often, they're nothing like you expected.

Maybe that's one of the quiet reminders that every email address belongs to a real person—a life, a story, and a world that exists long after they click Send.

✌️

Written Waves

The Leader I Chose to Follow

August 4, 2026 @ 1:09 PM

There is a manager I have learned to follow.

Our road together has been unusual.

For more than ten years, we worked around each other, and for three of those years we worked closely. We respected each other, but we were never close. There was peace, but there wasn't much of a relationship.

Everything changed the day he became my boss.

Suddenly, every decision mattered. We didn't always agree, and there were days when our relationship felt as rough as a storm-tossed lake. There were moments when I wanted to push back, moments when I questioned the direction.

Instead, I listened.

The person I trusted most believed in this manager. His confidence painted a picture so clear that I believed every word. If he had told me, "Jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, point your toes toward the water, and you'll survive," I probably would have believed him. That's how much trust I placed in his judgment.

So I gave my manager a chance.

What I discovered surprised me.

He's an exceptional communicator. We still don't see eye to eye on everything, and we probably never will. But great leadership isn't about agreeing on every detail. It's about creating an environment where people can do their best work.

He doesn't always see the world the way I do. He doesn't have my vision, my imagination, or my way of connecting the dots.

But he gives me something even more valuable.

He allows me to be me.

That freedom is rare.

He knows I'm going to add a little Bert Russell flair to almost everything I touch. Instead of fighting it, he manages it. He channels it. He trusts it enough to let it exist while still holding me accountable.

Truthfully, he's the reason I haven't quit.

Not because the job is easy.

Not because every day is perfect.

Because everyone wants someone they don't want to disappoint.

The strongest waves on Earth are born from enormous forces. An earthquake beneath the ocean can send a tsunami racing across thousands of miles. A powerful hurricane can stir the sea into waves taller than buildings.

Those waves weren't created by one moment.

They were created by pressure.

Leadership works much the same way.

Pressure reveals character. It exposes weaknesses, but it also creates strength. A steady leader doesn't stop the storm. He teaches others how to navigate through it.

Sometimes the biggest waves in life don't knock us down.

They show us who we're willing to follow when the water gets rough.

And sometimes, that's exactly what carries us safely to shore.

"Every wave begins with a force. Every leader leaves a wake." ✌️

Written Waves

This weekend became another unforgettable adventure.

We left Blue Springs with a mission to explore southeastern Missouri. The original plan was to visit Pineville and Powell, looking at affordable acreage and imagining what off-grid living might be like.

Then life took one of its unexpected turns.

We kept driving, following the road wherever it led, and before we knew it, we were just 17 miles from Bentonville, Arkansas. At that point, there was only one logical choice—we kept going.

Instead of sticking to a plan, we spent the day wandering through the rural communities of northwest Arkansas and Rogers. There was no itinerary, no schedule, just curiosity leading the way. We stopped at thrift stores, roadside antique shops, and flea markets, finding little treasures and enjoying every unexpected stop along the journey.

The adventure was peaceful, exciting, and unforgettable. We stood in awe of breathtaking landscapes and rock formations that have existed for millions of years. There's something humbling about seeing nature that has stood the test of time.

One thing that caught my attention was the number of Texas and Oklahoma license plates. In fact, we saw more Texas plates than Arkansas or Missouri plates, which I found fascinating. I probably should have counted the trucks, too. There were countless Chevrolets and Toyota Tundras, but surprisingly few Dodges, Nissans, or Fords. I also noticed very few Jeeps, which seemed unusual considering how many you see throughout Missouri.

The area was filled with fishing boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, and river rafts, yet we hardly spotted any canoes. It was another reminder that every region has its own outdoor culture.

Another interesting observation was the cost of living. Food and gas were noticeably less expensive than back home in Missouri, while tobacco products were significantly more expensive.

What started as a simple drive through Missouri became an incredible day exploring a beautiful corner of the Ozark Mountains. Sometimes the best adventures aren't planned—they simply happen when you follow the road instead of the itinerary.

This trip gave us plenty of memories, a few surprises, and another reminder that the journey is often more rewarding than the destination.

✌️ - Bert Russell

August 2nd @ 8:36 PM