Floral Associate Danielle Martinez puts together an arrangement Friday at Hestands Floral. Owner Michelle Ward said her shop had 63 pre-orders for Valentine's Day, which is double last year.
With the holiday of romance approaching, Freedom New Mexico decided to ask Clovis and Portales residents to share some of their experiences with romance and chocolate and what Valentine's Day means to them. Here were some of the answers we got:
What is your favorite romantic comedy/romance film?
- Miguel Jermillo, 22, a construction worker from Clovis: "Just Married."
- Jim Phillips, 49, a truck driver from Clovis: "Moulin Rouge."
- Linda Linsten, 56, a receptionist from Portales: "When in Rome."
- "My husband and I recently watched it on TV and that one was really cute. It was just cute how she handled all the different guys 'cause they were so diverse."
- Shantell Gutierrez, 27, a retail sales associate: "Fifty First Dates."
- Donald Van Dam, 24, sales associate and server from Portales: A toss up between "You've Got Mail" and "Notting Hill." "The chemistry between the actors is great, especially in 'You've Got Mail.' The back and forth between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks makes me laugh."
What is the most romantic thing your significant other has done for you on Valentine's Day?
- Cecil Bullion, 29, a college student from Clovis. "She bought me a new wallet that had 'I love you' stamped on it and filled it full of all kinds of family photos. It was really nice."
- Edna Rodriguez, 21, a sales representative from Portales. "I came home one night to rose petals and candles everywhere and a romantic comedy." Rodriguez is about to have her husband, Mark, back home for rehab after he was in a severe accident.
- Theresa Buckley, 59, a retired resident from Clovis. "We had a romantic dinner at Red Lobster. He bought me flowers and a teddy bear named Valentine."
- Sarah Sutton, 20, a college student and receptionist from Portales. "One time, he asked me for the keys to my car and without even thinking, I said yes. He got into my car and left a balloon with a rose then put a CD in the car and put the volume really loud on a song we both loved. So that was a really sweet day. When I popped the CD out, it said 'Always thinking of you.'" Sutton has been with her boyfriend, Alan Kinlund, for three years.
What's your favorite food/ingredient to mix with chocolate?
- Chris Smith, 38, firefighter from Portales. "Strawberries. The chocolate is bittersweet and the strawberries are sour sweet, so it's a good mix."
What is your favorite romantic song?
- Opal Greer, of Portales: "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers.
- Courtney Floyd, of Portales: "Beat Your Heart Out" by The Distillers.
- Donald Van Dam, of Portales: "Just Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble.
What happens on Valentine's Day?
First grade students from Bella Vista Elementary in Clovis:
- Rylie Mitchell, 6: "Love. You get presents. I know what mine is, snuck in and looked at it."
- Jace Strickland, 7: "People give each other notes, I guess."
First grade students from James Elementary in Portales:
- Amie Lovato, 7: "They celebrate because people are very nice when Valentine comes 'cause they like each other. I really don't know why."
- Adam Calderon, 6: "They give presents to other people to celebrate Valentine's Day 'cause it's a holiday. They are celebrating love."
What is your favorite romantic song?
- Robin Fornoff, managing editor: "My Foolish Heart" by Rod Stewart. Fornoff recently married his best friend of 30 years, Joni, in November 2011.
- Thomas Garcia, reporter: "Cause I Love You" by Lenny Williams.
- Christina Calloway, reporter: "Thinking About You" by Frank Ocean.
Fun facts:
- Hestands Floral, of Portales, received 300 orders for various floral arrangements last year for Valentine's Day.
- Papa Murphy's pizzeria received 165 orders for heart-shaped pizzas for the month of February in 2011 and orders for 80 on Valentine's Day.
- Russell's SuperSave Manager Tim Russell said their bakery sold an estimated 110 heart-shaped cakes last year for Valentine's Day.
— Compiled by Freedom staff writers Alisa Boswell and Tonjia Rolan.
