Knee deep in possibilities

There is so MUCH information out there! I decided to post a bid proposal on a freelance web site, and I've gotten 37 bids in the first 24 hours...actually fewer than 24 hours. I've been overwhelmed in a way. I've seen a couple of images that were right up the alley of what I want, but they were not cheap. There were a few bids that were so low I wondered if the artist understood what I was asking for. I don't want to waste anyone's time, but at the same time, if I don't ask, I'll never get a reply. Several of the artists are really talented, but they don't seem to have what I want already. I suspect they can, just never put that perfect match in the portfolio. There are a few who seem so sincere, but the work is "cute" and cartoon-like rather than the beautiful images I want to use.
We have talked about the options of going through a traditional publisher or doing a "self-publishing" project. Right now, we are thinking self-published. I have a book coming about publishing through traditional routes, but until it arrives, I am, as my father would say, going ahead on. Cost is an object, but I have a great deal of freedom to pursue this project. My life is good.

I haven't typed a word on the other book all week, and this is Wednesday. Putting in the hours isn't the problem. It's just that I can bury myself in "research" in no time, and not get any measurable progress. I wonder how typical that is. I have seen people do it in office situations all the time.

The elder son has not yet sent the music. I may look for a site on line to type it up myself! I wouldn't be surprised if such a site exists.