This week's saadhakam

I shifted focus to Hamsadhwani ragam this week. I read and learnt that this janya of ShankarabharaNam was created by Sri Ramaswami Dikshithar, the father of Sri Muthuswami Dikshithar and that it has an auspicious effect. Apparently the best time to sing this ragam is 7-9 pm.
I attempted to sing the varisais in Hamsadhwani. I was able to sing them in 3 speeds. I should get it checked with teacher sometime soon. I am happy with this step. This sure is fun!
I have also been practising Hamsadhwani kalpanaswarams. I have been working on these steps:
1) Write down swarams from various resources - my own imagination; the varNam, jathiswaram and krithi I know; the tape of Sri Semmangudi's and tips and ideas from teacher.
2) Practise the listed swarams - problem is - by the time I reach the long swarams, I lose interest or breath. Need to make practice more interesting.
I foresee repeating these two steps for at least the whole of January to feel confident.
The singer I listened to the most this week - Nithyashree Mahadevan.
In addition, I was able to practise Valachi vachi and Jagaddaananda for class. Good week:)!