Our journal seeks, through creative mediums, to provide a quiet retreat from day-day ennui, and to unify student artists. We invite you to enjoy the sanctuary of our journal and experience a small good thing in your lives.

The name ‘A Small Good Thing’ comes from a short story of the same name by writer Raymond Carver. Carver’s story is about a young boy who is hit by a car and lies in a coma for days. Distraught at the hospital, the boy’s mother forgets she ordered a cake for her son’s upcoming birthday until the gruff baker begins calling and harassing the mother and father. After the boy’s death, the angry parents visit the bakery to confront the baker. When he learns of their son’s death, the baker comforts them with baked goods and conversation. Through the small, good things of food and words, the parents are able to begin the process of grieving and healing, and ultimately, live again.

Click here to read Carver’s “A Small, Good Thing”

The Editors

Erica Mason is graduating this Spring, and has no idea what she is doing with her life, other than finding a job.

Chelsea Mahoney is a graduating senior majoring in English and Business Administration. Following exams and a glorious week on the beach, she plans to move to Boston with two friends, a dog, and a whole lot of stuff that she has collected over the years.

Robyn Giannini is a sophmore English major at the University of Mary Washington.

Stephanie Potter is a graduating senior at the University of Mary Washington. She is an English major and the Sports Editor for The Bullet. Her soul belongs to Bonefish Grill, where she works nearly every night of the week.

Please direct your questions and comments for the editors to asmallgoodthing@gmail.com