Wow, wow, wow, you are a natural. You are so very brave (or you have a lot of disposable income!) to buy a LA when so new to quilting but obviously it was not a mistake. You have a natural talent and will only get better. I waited until I had been quilting for a long time before getting my longarm, but like you my first quilt off was something I was truly proud of. Here is a link to pictures I posted here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...rm-t77776.html
I too find drawing translates well to LAing and like you I can ONLY make feathers going up the spine (from bottom of spine to top). I can do them in any direction, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, in a circle, but I always have to work from my perceived bottom of the spine to top. Isn't that funny?
You will go places with your quilting LAing if you keep at it. Can't wait to see what else you produce. Good job and give yourself a well deserved pat on the back!