Vivian Smith is a nationally-known journalist, newsroom coach, teacher and communication consultant. The Power Years, her column about baby boomers, appears every other Monday on the front of the Life section.

She began her career at the St. Catharines Standard, then spent 14 years in various posts at the Globe and Mail in Toronto before moving to Victoria in 1994. Smith, who has an MA in journalism, has taught students at four Canadian universities. She also coaches reporters and editors in newsrooms, as well as at conference seminars.

Her freelance articles appear in such publications as the Globe, National Post, Maclean's, Report On Business Magazine, Canadian Living and many others.

She won an award (sorry, Mom, she says -- just an honorable mention) at the Canadian National Magazine Awards for a humour piece called My Trophy Husband. That husband loyally lives with her in Victoria, while their two grown children come and go as they please.

TC readers advise Smith that she is timely, disappointing, impressive, illogical, insightful, cowardly, courageous, hilarious, rude, refreshing and whiny. Her family tends to agree, but usually when she is out of earshot.

If you would like to contact Smith about any issue of interest to boomers - or to spice up the adjective list - her e-mail is viviansmith1@shaw.ca.