I can repeat that "keep going" mantra! I started about two years ago also. I work full time and now am back in the classroom, so there's little time for anything after grading essays for hours on end. Still, I spend every second possible quilting and practicing. I was looking at a quilt I made some time ago and could not believe that my quilting was so bad! I'd be ashamed but my kids saw the quilt and begged, begged! for it. Keep going, keep going, absolutely keep going. Also keep a sample of what you're doing now so you can go back in a couple of years and ask yourself was I really that bad???!!!
Picture #2 has me green as your thread with envy!