My start was inspired by my mom who graduated from nursing school at the age of 57. She had started at 19, but set her dream aside to raise a family. (She raised 4 daughter and had one miscarriage--which, as all moms who miscarry understand--was emotionally more painful than any of us knew when we were young.)
I was so proud of her for making us her priority when we were little,and then pursuing her dream when she was older an not needed hands-on as much . By this time I was a mother and also had a miscarriage. I designed a quilt with four baskets that are her four daughters, and in the border I sewed a heart to represent the little baby she lost. It was so meaningful to me to work on, to be as diligent (took me as long to make as for her to graduate!) and it meant so much. I decided it was a hobby I could take my time learning, enjoy the process, make others happy with the results, and have something lasting that I worked on! That doesnt happen with laundry, dishes, and cleaning--you keep having to redo it!