my gaze traveled over the changes she 'd made since moving in : asters arranged in mason-jar vases , live plants bought off the sale rack and nurtured back to health clustered at the lace-curtained windows , bits of ribbon draped over mirrors to remind wandering spirits not to cross into them , yellowed doilies bought at yard sales decorating the padded arms of the couch , and faded pillows and swaths of fabric disguising the old furniture .